The below activities are available for anyone to use, including for teaching purposes, thanks to the Atlantic Geoscience Society and its Education Committee.
Geological Time-line exercise
Grade level: any
Description: A pdf that when printed can be used with students for a time-line exercise. The number and selection of cards used can be varied according to the grade level and the message to be taught. Students can be asked to line up around the classroom in order of geological age. Cards include artists’ impressions of past organisms as well as locations with their geological ages. This exercise can be used to teach aspects of evolution and geological history. A refined and updated version is planned soon.
Credit: Graham Williams and Rob Fensome
pdf download
The Last Billion Years Colouring Book
Grade level: any
Description: Ten pages of artwork based on “The Last Billion Years” book and original artwork showcasing geological history from the Maritimes region.
Credit: Janet Jauer
pdf download
The Great Canadian Cookie Mine
Grade level: 7-12
Description: Using chocolate chip cookies, explore the concept of mining to extract an ore (chocolate chips) and assess economic viability. Includes a case study on copper mining in New Guinea.
Credit: Tracy Webb
MS Word download, or pdf download
Story Tracks – Investigating dinosaur footprints
Grade level: primary – 4
Description: A simple activity centered around the science of ichnology or understanding the preserved activity of organisms, such as trackways. Come up with a story for a set of trackways.
Credit: Lynn Dafoe
MS Word download, or pdf download
Fast Crystallization
Grade level: 3-6 and 7-12 (two versions)
Description: Grow salt crystals in minutes and observe their growth using a microscope. Learn about minerals in rocks and how they crystalize.
Credit: Lynn Dafoe
Grades 3-6
Instructor’s guide MS Word, or pdf download
Student worksheet MS Word, or pdf download
Grades 7-12
Instructor’s guide MS Word, or pdf download
Student worksheet MS Word, or pdf download
PowerPoint images MS Ppt, or pdf download
Fossil Rubbings
Grade level: P-9 (basic and extensions)
Description: A simple exercise for students to preserve a record of fossil findings using paper and coloured pencils. The activity can be expanded upon for upper elementary and middle school students.
Credit: Lynn Dafoe
Instructor’s guide MS Word, or pdf download
Student worksheet pdf download
Playground Pebbles
Grade level: 3-9
Description: Using local playground or beach pebbles, students learn to identify rocks and rock types, as well as observing characteristics such as textures and layering.
Credit: Lynn Dafoe
Instructor’s guide MS Word, or pdf download
Student worksheet pdf download
Student worksheet example pdf download
