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Fossil Forests STEM Kit

Explore how fossil wood is used to determine the climate of Wyoming 50 million years ago!

The storyline in this STEM kit takes students on an exploration of tree structure to determine the similarities and differences between hardwoods, conifers, and palms. Using a physical model, students simulate fossilization and study real fossil wood. Students use information about nearest living relatives, graphing temperature and precipitation ranges of various plants to characterize the ancient climate in the same way as a paleobotanist for National Geographic does.

Science and Engineering Practices include: 1) developing and using models; 2) analyzing and interpreting data; 3) using mathematics and computational thinking; 4) obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information

Crosscutting Concepts include: 1) patterns; 2) cause & effect; 3) scale, proportion, and quantity; 4) systems and system models; 5) structure and function; 6) stability and change of systems

Class Requirements

  • 6th grade and up
  • Moderate teacher preparation
  • One to two class periods
  • 30 students or less working in pairs
  • Science notebooks
  • Sink

Fossil Forests STEM Kit Resources

Next Generation Science Standards: Disciplinary Core Ideas

  • MS-LS1.A: Structure and Function Within cells, special structures are responsible for particular function, and the cell membrane forms the boundary that controls what enters and leaves the cell.
  • MS-LS2.C: Ecosystem Dynamics, Functioning, and Resilience Ecosystems are dynamic in nature; their characteristics can vary over time. Disruptions to any physical or biological component of an ecosystem can lead to shifts in all its populations.
  • HS-LS1.A: Structure and Function Systems of specialized cells within organisms help them perform the essential functions of life.
  • HS-ESS2.A: Earth Materials and Systems The geologic record shows that changes to global and regional climate can be caused by interactions among changes in the sun’s energy output or Earth’s orbit, tectonic events, ocean circulation, volcanic activity, glaciers, vegetation, and human activities. These changes can occur on a variety of timescales from sudden (e.g., volcanic ash clouds) to intermediate (ice ages) to very long-term tectonic cycles.

Borrowing Fossil Forest STEM Kits

There is no charge to educators who wish to borrow any of our STEM kits. We appreciate applications be submitted at least 2 weeks in advance of the desired use date. The loan application forms require you to confirm your email address before it will be sent to the EOC – so once you click submit, check your email (including the junk folder)! You should also get a copy of the form for your records via email, if you don’t, please contact Jordan Conley (jordan.conley@colostate.edu).