Lesson summary for...

Inferring Ancient Environments from Fossil Foraminifera

Author/Source: Olson, Hilary
Overview:Students analyze actual data from samples of microfossils collected from a particular locality. They use this data to infer water depths in the Miocene in order to locate potential petroleum reserves.
Concepts:This lesson covers the following concepts:
  • Science explains the natural world using evidence from the natural world.
  • Scientific ideas are developed through reasoning.
  • Scientists use fossils to learn about past life.
Grade Level:6-8
Time:40-50 minutes
Teacher Background:Explore these links for additional information on the topics covered in this lesson: