4th Grade Science Dinosaur Lady Read Aloud STEM Challenge Make Fossils

Learn about fossils! Integrate STEM and literacy with this 4th-grade STEM activity.

In the story Dinosaur Lady: The Daring Discoveries of Mary Anning, the First Paleontologist by Linda Skeers, students learn that rock formations can tell us a lot about the plants and animals that once lived in that area. Mary Anning led the way through her discoveries, allowing scientists to deepen their understanding through her work.

Students investigate patterns in rock formations and fossils in rock layers. They create our own fossils to better understand these preserved pieces of prehistoric times. There is a recipe included for how to make the fossils.

This STEM challenge aligns with NGSS Standards for Fourth Grade Earth Science 4-ESS1-1 but can be used in 3rd-5th grade.

Material List:

• bowl and cookie scoop (or spoon)
• small plastic dinosaurs, leaves, pinecones, or other items
• 1 cup used coffee grounds
• 1/2 cup cold coffee
• 1/2 cup salt
• 1 cup flour
• wax paper or parchment
• Dinosaur Lady: The Daring Discoveries of Mary Anning, the First Paleontologist by Linda Skeers

Includes:

• Teacher Instructions
• Student STEM Journal
• Student Instructions
• STEM Activity
• Vocabulary Words
• Student Reflection Sheet
• Rubric

Learning Objective

I can identify patterns to learn about changes to the Earth.

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