Fossil Fondue
To understand how fossils are formed, students model the process of fossilization by making fossils using small toy figures and melted chocolate. They extend their knowledge to the many ways that engineers aid in the study of fossils, including the development of tools and technologies for determining the physical and chemical properties of fossilized organisms, and how those properties tell a story of our changing world.
Use melted chocolate to learn about the fossilization process!
Engineers design tools to help us learn about our natural world and how we can help people thrive. As fossils are uncovered, and previously unknown organisms are discovered, engineers learn how our world is changing. Fossil discoveries inspire the development of advanced engineering technologies to locate and even create 3-D images of prehistoric organisms. Engineers recreate how these organisms may have moved to get new ideas for new technologies or processes. By searching out the physical and chemical changes to the environment, engineers apply their knowledge to create processes to address global warming, as well as develop products that mimic prehistoric capabilities.
After this activity, students should be able to:
- Define fossil.
- Describe how fossils are created.
- Explain why an engineer might study fossils.
- Utilize the design process to develop and systematically compare ideas for tools that perform one or more of the following objectives: extract fossils, investigate the physical and/or chemical properties of fossils, or prevent future extinctions.