Making Fossils and Exploring Soil

Let me preface this post by saying how much I love teaching science.  Well, I just love science in general.  It's ironic because when I was younger I hated science.  Well maybe hate is too strong of a word.  I just didn't get excited about it.  My kids LOVE science and they always have.  I feel like science is kind of one of those subjects, along with math, that you just see that light bulb go off.  This week in our class we made fossils.  It is a 3rd grade standard in our state that students distinguish between the three types of fossils: mold, cast, and preserved part.  So, we made each type.  Then, I typed up the information and we discussed what paper would go with which fossil.  Here are some pictures of the students working (I totally spaced and forgot to take a picture of the finished product....I'll do that on Monday :)

Students cutting out their labels.  The fossil on the left is a mold.  Students used either dice or a fake animal to make the impression.  The middle is a preserved part.  Students flattened their play-dough and put a paper clip in the middle.  The last one is a cast.  Students made a hole in their play-dough and then added shredded paper to fill the hole.

Here's another shot.  Again, I'll update this post with a close up picture next week.

We also investigated soil samples as well.  There were four different stations for students to go to.  They had to identify the soil, define it, list any special properties of the soil, and glue a sample on their paper.  Here are some few.

Next week we'll be making our own (edible) metamorphic, igneous, and sedimentary rocks.  I can't wait to show you!  I'm linking this at the Clutter Free Classroom's A Week in My Planbook.  Be sure to check it out! :)