Fossil Evidence and Extinction
Students will interpret fossil evidence to understand past environments, life forms, and mass extinction events.
Key Questions
- Explain how fossils provide evidence of past life and environmental conditions.
- Analyze the causes and effects of major mass extinction events in Earth's history.
- Predict how future environmental changes might lead to new extinction events.
Common Core State Standards
Suggested Methodologies
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Planning templates for Science
5E Model
The 5E Model structures lessons through five phases (Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate), guiding students from curiosity to deep understanding through inquiry-based learning.
unit plannerThematic Unit
Organize a multi-week unit around a central theme or essential question that cuts across topics, texts, and disciplines, helping students see connections and build deeper understanding.
rubricSingle-Point Rubric
Build a single-point rubric that defines only the "meets standard" level, leaving space for teachers to document what exceeded and what fell short. Simple to create, easy for students to understand.
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