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Fair dinkum fossils

Ecolinc
Full Day
Book Program
Year Levels

Background

The word ‘fossil’ comes from the Latin word which means ‘dug up’. Fossils are the remains of life from the past that have been preserved by natural processes. Fossils include imprints from plants, footprints, bones and under exceptional circumstances, soft tissue can also be fossilised. Fossils are mostly found in sedimentary rocks, such as sandstone and mudstone. By studying fossils, we can learn a lot about how plants and animals lived and behaved millions of years ago. 
 
Fossils have been found on every continent on Earth, including Australia.  Some hot spots for Dinosaur and Megafauna fossils include Winton in Queensland, Naracoorte in South Australia, Broome in Western Australia and Inverloch in Victoria. 
 

Key Learning Question

How do scientists use evidence to make inferences about life in the past?

Learning Intentions

In this program students will:

  • Discover fossil evidence, including footprints and bone fossils
  • Explore the role of a palaeontologist 
  • Investigate and interpret dinosaur movements using mathematical equations 
  • Develop critical and higher order thinking skills
  • Engage in collaborative, problem solving activities

Activities

Students will:

  • Experience a Victorian fossil dig site using Virtual Reality technology
  • Examine and interpret fossil evidence including megafauna trackways, and megafauna and dinosaur fossils 
  • Engage in mathematical analysis to interpret megafauna trackways 
  • Use QR codes to discover how palaeontologists interpret fossil evidence
  • Take part in a challenging escape room puzzle involving time travel, code breaking and Australian dinosaurs 

Note:

  • Max 50 students per day

Victorian Curriculum

Science – Biological sciences
  • Living things have structural features and adaptations that help them to survive in their environment (VCSSU074)
  • The growth and survival of living things are affected by the physical conditions of their environment (VCSSU075)
Science – Earth and space sciences
  • Sudden geological changes or extreme weather conditions can affect Earth's surface (VCSSU079)
Science - Analysing & evaluating
  • Compare data with predictions and use as evidence in developing explanations (VCSIS086)
 

Learning Continuum

The following Learning Continuum is a guide for teachers to show the links between the programs. Ecolinc offers onsite, online and through outreach. The Learning Continuum can be used to access Ecolinc resources to support the development of units of work.

Ecolinc Learn Online is an online learning management system offering interactive online courses for students and teachers. These courses can be undertaken either as a pre-visit, post-visit or stand-alone. Students are encouraged to do the post-learning course after coming to Ecolinc for an onsite program.

Learn Online Pre-program:

☞ Dinkum Dinosaurs

Onsite:

☞ Fair dinkum fossils

Learn Online Post-program:

☞ Dating dinosaurs