Lesson Idea | Images of the Past - Paleontologist: Unearth a Flower (Fossil)

During this activity, your students will learn how the discovery of a single old bone led to the development of one of the world's premier fossil beds. Over sixty mammoths have been identified at the site.

Lesson Summary

Your students will also complete an activity in which they will learn that fossils are very delicate and that extreme care must be taken when the fossils are excavated.

Time Allotment

50 minutes

Introductory Activity

Introduce the activity by viewing the following video clips, which describe the site, hunting, and the accidental discovery of the first bones at The Mammoth Site of Hot Springs, South Dakota (view all or some of the video clips depending on time).

Mammoth Site (In-depth12-minute video)
- George Hanson and his son Dan Hanson describe finding the bones.
- Dr. Agenbroad, Chief Scientist/Site Director, describes the original exploration of the site.
- Landscapes of South Dakota (1-minute video describing the Mammoth Site).
- Dakota Pathways: The First Hunters and Farmers of South Dakota

Discuss the delicateness of fossils and the importance of careful excavating when removing/preserving each specimen.
- PBS Learning Media: Archeology Resources

Learning Activities

Students need help understanding the meticulous and tedious process of removing fill/material from and around a fossil. During this activity, your students will unearth a flower without damaging any part of the flower.

Gather the materials below:
1. Fill like sand or loose dirt
2. Pan/container
3. Flowers
4. Tools (examples below)
- Spoons
- Toothpicks
- Brushes
- Cups
- Etc.

Procedure:

1. Photograph and document the condition of each flower.
2. Prepare each pan for the students (group the students if you have limited materials).
3. Carefully bury the flowers without damaging them. There are two photos that show the process.
4. The fill should completely conceal the flowers.
5. Tools are then used to remove the flower without damaging it.
6. Compare the unearthed flower to the photo taken before the flower was covered with sand. Depending on the age of the students, points should be taken away for damage to the flower.

For further information, visit PBS LearningMedia website.