GIFTS FROM THE PAST

What are the gifts from the past?

1. Sketch the fossil.2. List inferences you can make about this organism.3. What 2 pieces of information would you like to know about this fossil or organism?

Ammonites!

1. Sketch the fossil.2. List inferences you can make about this organism.3. What 2 pieces of information would you like to know about this fossil or organism?

Gifts From the PastWhat is a fossil? Fossils are traces of

once living organisms. Fossils include: Trace fossils: indirect evidence left behind such as a

footprint, leaf print or burrow. Cast: when minerals fill the space left behind by a decayed

organism. Mold: when an empty space is left after the organism

decays. Petrified: minerals have replaced the hard parts of bone or

wood. Amber/ice: the entire organism is encased and preserved.

Gifts From the PastCheck for Understanding: Write a paragraph explaining how FOSSILS are

“gifts from the past”. Use the “ClEvR” method when writing your

paragraph: Claim Evidence Reasoning

ClEvR Example

Gifts From the Past

Observe the fossils

• What questions do you have about these?

How is this road cut in Eastern Washington a “gift from the past”?

What can you infer from these rock layers?

Gifts From the Past• Earth’s physical features, such as rock layers, are

also gifts from the past because they give us clues as to what the ancient earth was like….. Ash and/or lava indicate volcanic activity. Rock scars, kettle lakes and glacial till indicate

glacial activity. Sandstone, slate, shale and clay indicate aquatic

environments. Limestone indicates a previously marine

environment.

Gifts From the PastCheck for Understanding: Write a paragraph explaining how EARTH’S PHYSICAL

FEATURES are “gifts from the past”. Be sure to explain “relative age” in your answer. Be sure to discuss how different features tell us a story

about ancient earth. Use the “ClEvR” method when writing your paragraph:

Claim Evidence Reasoning

Include a labeled sketch with your paragraph.

Gifts From the Past 95% of all life that has ever existed on earth is

gone. Only 250,000 to 300,000 fossils of extinct species

have been identified. The oldest known fossil is about 540 million years

old. How old is earth??? Fossils are indeed rare gifts from the past. Fossils only give us a tiny glimpse into the past. Rock layers tell us A LOT about Earth’s past!!

Gifts From the Past Select your best paragraph from today’s lesson.

Rewrite this paragraph on a single sheet of paper.

Trade papers with your desk partner.

Provide feedback (positive and constructive) by annotating your partner’s paragraph.

Return paper to its owner.

Rewrite your paragraph, taking into account the peer review.

Turn in!