Echoes of Extinction: Design a Museum Exhibit
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we, as museum curators, design an exhibit that uses the fossil record and geological evidence to educate the public about past extinctions, their impact on Earth's biodiversity, and what lessons they hold for promoting a sustainable future?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- How does the fossil record inform us about extinct species and their environments?
- In what ways can we interpret rock layers and index fossils to determine the relative ages of rock formations?
- How do extinction events impact Earth's biodiversity and ecosystems?
- What geological and environmental factors contribute to species extinction?
- How can understanding past extinctions help us address current environmental challenges and promote sustainability?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Students will be able to analyze the fossil record to understand extinct species and their environments.
- Students will be able to interpret rock layers and index fossils to determine the relative ages of rock formations.
- Students will be able to explain how extinction events impact Earth's biodiversity and ecosystems.
- Students will be able to identify geological and environmental factors that contribute to species extinction.
- Students will be able to apply lessons from past extinctions to address current environmental challenges and promote sustainability.
- Students will be able to design a museum exhibit to educate the public about past extinctions and their impact.
- Students will be able to understand the importance of biodiversity for human health and wellbeing.
Academic Standards
NGSS
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsPaleontologist's Urgent Plea
A renowned paleontologist (played by the teacher or a guest speaker) bursts into the classroom, urgently seeking the students' help. A newly discovered fossil site contains clues to a mysterious mass extinction event, and they need the students' expertise to analyze the evidence and reconstruct the past environment. This sets the stage for their role as museum exhibit designers.Artifact Roadshow: Echoes of Our World
Begin with an 'artifact roadshow' where students bring in objects that represent something they value about their local environment. Discuss what future generations might learn about our society from these objects and what could cause these things to disappear. Transition into exploring how fossils serve as artifacts from the past, prompting students to consider what stories extinct species can tell us.Message from the Future
Students receive a cryptic package containing fragmented fossils, environmental data from different geological periods, and a letter from a future scientist. The letter tasks them with creating a museum exhibit that warns future generations about the potential consequences of current environmental trends, connecting past extinctions to present-day concerns.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Fossil Fact File: Unearthing the Past
Students create a 'Fossil Fact File' for a specific extinct species. This activity helps them understand what fossils can tell us about the past.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA detailed fact sheet about an extinct species, including its physical characteristics, habitat, and time period.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses 6.MS-LS 4.1 by introducing the concept of fossils as evidence of past life and environments.Rock Layer Time Capsule: Dating the Earth
Students build a model of rock layers to demonstrate how index fossils are used to determine the relative ages of rocks.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA layered rock model with index fossils and a corresponding explanation of how the layers were formed and dated.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsCovers 6.MS-ESS 1.1 by exploring how rock layers and fossils are used to determine the age of geological formations.Extinction Event Investigation: Lessons from Lost Worlds
Students research a major extinction event and create a presentation on its causes, effects on biodiversity, and potential lessons for today.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA presentation (e.g., slideshow, video) detailing the causes and consequences of a major extinction event.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with 6.MS-LS 4.1 and MS-LS2-5 by examining the causes and consequences of extinction events on biodiversity and ecosystems.Biodiversity Plea: A Call to Conservation
Students write a persuasive essay arguing for the importance of biodiversity conservation based on the lessons learned from past extinction events.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA persuasive essay advocating for biodiversity conservation, citing evidence from past extinctions.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsSupports the sustainability focus and MS-LS2-5 by prompting students to connect past extinctions to current environmental challenges and propose solutions.Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioFossil Fact File Rubric
Content and Presentation
Assesses the accuracy, depth, and presentation of information about the extinct species.Accuracy of Information
Accuracy and depth of information presented about the extinct species, including physical characteristics, habitat, and time period.
Exemplary
4 PointsDemonstrates comprehensive and accurate understanding of the extinct species, including detailed information about its physical characteristics, habitat, and time period. Information is presented with exceptional clarity and precision.
Proficient
3 PointsDemonstrates a thorough and accurate understanding of the extinct species, including relevant information about its physical characteristics, habitat, and time period. Information is clearly presented and well-organized.
Developing
2 PointsShows an emerging understanding of the extinct species, with some inaccuracies or gaps in information about its physical characteristics, habitat, or time period. Presentation lacks clarity and organization in some areas.
Beginning
1 PointsShows a limited understanding of the extinct species, with significant inaccuracies or missing information about its physical characteristics, habitat, and time period. Presentation is unclear and disorganized.
Quality of Visuals
Clarity and quality of illustrations and visual aids used to enhance understanding of the extinct species.
Exemplary
4 PointsIllustrations and visual aids are exceptionally clear, detailed, and enhance understanding of the extinct species. They are creatively and effectively integrated into the fact file.
Proficient
3 PointsIllustrations and visual aids are clear, relevant, and contribute to understanding of the extinct species. They are effectively integrated into the fact file.
Developing
2 PointsIllustrations and visual aids are present but may lack clarity or relevance, and their contribution to understanding the extinct species is limited. Integration into the fact file is inconsistent.
Beginning
1 PointsIllustrations and visual aids are missing, unclear, or irrelevant, and do not contribute to understanding of the extinct species. They are poorly integrated or absent from the fact file.
Organization and Presentation
Organization and presentation of the fact file, including the use of headings, subheadings, and a logical flow of information.
Exemplary
4 PointsFact file is exceptionally well-organized, with clear headings, subheadings, and a logical flow of information that enhances readability and understanding. Presentation is visually appealing and engaging.
Proficient
3 PointsFact file is well-organized, with clear headings, subheadings, and a logical flow of information that promotes readability and understanding. Presentation is neat and professional.
Developing
2 PointsFact file shows some organization, but headings, subheadings, or the flow of information may be inconsistent or unclear, hindering readability and understanding. Presentation may be lacking in neatness or professionalism.
Beginning
1 PointsFact file lacks organization, with missing or unclear headings, subheadings, and a disjointed flow of information that significantly impairs readability and understanding. Presentation is messy or unprofessional.