• Field Trip

    More than 250 interactive science, technology, energy and health exhibits await students of all ages.  We’re experts at making sure that bringing your group to the Museum is smooth sailing all the way. Discounted admission for groups of 20 or more!

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  • ScienceWorks

    Your students become scientists during our ScienceWorks Labs. All programs align with National Science Education Standards, Next Generation Science Standards, Michigan Grade Level Content Expectations and Common Core State Standards. Labs are available year-round for preschool to middle school students.

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  • Outreach

    It's Science on Wheels: We bring the Museum to you!  We offer fun, inquiry-based programs for the students in your classroom, library, festival or youth center! All programs address objectives outlined in the Michigan Grade Level Content Expectations and include pre- and post-visit activities.

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  • Distance Learning

    Our educators use videoconferencing to engage your students in a dynamic, hands-on learning experience. Program kits sent to classroom teachers include nearly everything you need for experiments. Kits are yours to keep! All programs address National Science Education Standards and align with Michigan Grade Level Content Expectations.

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  • Professional Development

    Join us for fast-paced, hands-on teacher workshops that provide elementary and middle school educators with new hands-on tools for incorporating interactive science and math activities into your classroom.  Join us for professional development opportunities both at the museum and at your school.

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  • Scouts

    The best place for Scouts to explore STEAM! We offer unique, fun-filled workshops, designed specifically for Scouts. Come to the Museum for your workshop and get hands-on as you explore math, science, technology, and more.

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  • Summer Camp

    Explore week-long science and math activities in conjuntion with Ann Arbor Rec&Ed and other local organizations.  Elementary and middle school children can investigate a different theme each week through hands-on and engaging fun.

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  • Birthday Parties

    What do you get when you mix one part science, one part fun, and one part celebration? A birthday party at the Museum! Experience a birthday full of discovery by exploring more than 250 exhibits and experimenting with a hands-on activity. Celebrate in a unique and interactive environment to make your special day really special!

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  • Evening Workshops

    Want to dive deeply into specific topics? Join us for an Evening Workshop! Explore a variety of science concepts through hands-on activities, interactive demos, and experiments in a small group setting. Topics vary from stop-motion animation to computer programming to engineering – there’s sure to be something that piques your interest!

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Back to Programs

The Fossil Record

Distance Learning: The Fossil Record

Together we’ll take a look at actual fossils and discuss how you can find the clues that they hide and how to interpret their stories that unfolded millions of years ago. Invent your own prehistoric animals, follow along in the story of fossilization, and discuss fossil finds like real paleontologists.

  • Grade level: 3 – 5
  • Cost: $160
  • Available: Year-Round

Each Distance Learning program includes:

  • A 50-minute interactive program

  • A kit with materials for interactive experiments for 30 students

  • Extension activities and resources for further exploration

  • To make your program an enjoyable and memorable experience please be sure to review the Videoconferencing Tips

Please note: Your school or ISD must have videoconferencing equipment to participate in Distance Learning Programs.

Click here to schedule your Distance Learning Program today!

U.S. National Curriculum Standards NS.K-4.4 Earth and Space Science

  • Properties of earth materials
  • Changes in the earth and sky

U.S. National Curriculum Standards NS.5-8.4 Earth and Space Science

  • Earth’s history

Michigan Grade Level Content Expectations, Science v.1.09

  • Recognize and describe different types of Earth materials (mineral, rock, clay, boulder, gravel, sand, soil, water, and air). (E.SE.03.13)
  • Identify and describe natural causes of change in the Earth’s surface (erosion, glaciers, volcanoes, landslides and earthquakes). (E.SE.03.22)
  • Explain how fossils provide evidence of the history of the Earth. (E.ST.04.31)
  • Compare and contrast life forms found in fossils and organisms that exist today. (E.ST.04.32)
  • Describe how fossils provide evidence about how living things and environmental conditions have changed. (L.EV.05.13)

Next Generation Science Standards

Students participating in this program will explore science content as stated in the Disciplinary Core Ideas. They will engage in science and engineering practices as they plan and conduct investigations to answer questions regarding fossils.

LS4.A: Evidence of Common Ancestry and Diversity

  • Some kinds of plants and animals that once lived on Earth are no longer found anywhere. (Note: Moved from K–2)
  • Fossils provide evidence about the types of organisms that lived long ago and also about the nature of their environments.

ESS1.C: The History of Planet Earth

  • Local, regional, and global patterns of rock formations reveal changes over time due to earth forces, such as earthquakes. The presence and location of certain fossil types indicate the order in which rock layers were formed.

ESS2.A: Earth Materials and Systems

  • Rainfall helps to shape the land and affects the types of living things found in a region. Water, ice, wind, living organisms, and gravity break rocks, soils, and sediments into smaller particles and move them around. 
The Fossil Record

Distance Learning

School

50 minutes

3-5th

30

Earth and Space Sciences, Natural Sciences