• STEM at Home

    Discover science and connect to the natural world while staying safe and healthy at home!

    Check out our virtual programming schedule and browse through our list of resources, activities, crafts, videos, and more to help continue to bring science into your world.

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  • Summer 2021

    Let our in-person virtual distance learning programs and family experiences provide a COVID-safe educational experience for your school or community group! We have modified some of our most popular programs to address the health and safety of all our community. 

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  • 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 15 children 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 and are led by an instructor.

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  • Outreach

    Our Outreach staff brings the Museum to you—at schools, libraries, community centers, and festivals—by delivering hands-on programming customized to your schedule and curriculum interests.

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  • Distance Learning

    Experience live, interactive Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum programs right in your classroom! Our educators use videoconferencing technology to share science and math activities with your students, engaging them in a dynamic, hands-on learning experience.

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  • Scouts

    The best place for Scouts to explore STEAM! 

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  • Summer Camp

    Through the Unity in Learning partnership, Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, Leslie Science & Nature Center, and Yankee Air Museum now offer families incredible day camps at two fantastic locations in Ann Arbor and Belleville.

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  • Birthday Parties

    Have a STEM-tastic birthday party with us at the museum! Join us on Saturdays as we help you and your guests celebrate your special day at the museum.

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Back to Programs

The Fossil Record

Distance Learning: The Fossil Record

Take a look at actual fossils, discover the clues that they hide, and learn how to interpret their stories which unfolded millions of years ago. 

  • Grade level: 3 – 5
  • Cost: $160 (+ $20 shipping*)
  • Available: Year-Round

*Additional cost for international shipping

Each Distance Learning program includes:

  • A 50-minute interactive program.
  • A kit with materials for interactive experiments for 30 students.
  • A Teacher’s Guide to prepare you, your classroom, and your students before the experience.
  • 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: If your school does not have video conferencing equipment, please let us know when booking the program.

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

Still not sure we have the experience you want?

Visit unityinlearning.org to open a gateway to hands-on discovery, exploration of the natural world, and experiences that take flight.

Through the Unity in Learning partnership with the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, Leslie Science and Nature Center, and Yankee Air Museum we provide over 100 different  programs at our facilities, on site at your location, or through interactive video conferencing.