Many children learn visually, especially about subjects they may not be exposed to on a day-to-day basis, such as fossils. For this reason, media presentations work effectively to teach children about fossils. Many third graders love to color, and the Internet contains a variety of free coloring pages (see Resources). Even movies or DVDs, such as the Disney movie, "Dinosaur," can present relevant information on fossils.
Many children have dinosaur books at home or have read books on fossils. Fossils have taught people much of what they know about dinosaurs through impressions found on every continent in the world. Sedimentary rocks compress dinosaur fossils, usually from bones, into the earth. Although the fossil keeps the shape of the original object, it is not a bone, but more like a rock. Paleontology is the study of fossils.
Third grade fossil information lends itself to several different hands-on activities. Students can make simulated fossils using clay or plaster. Teachers can also make their own dough mix, using any number of recipes available on the Internet (see Resources). Big floor puzzles engage children while giving them visual images of what dinosaurs and fossils may have looked like.
Teachers can also use worksheets, word searches, puzzles, crosswords, handouts and quizzes. Games such as dinosaur bingo or a fossil matching game increase memory while teaching students about fossils. A field trip to the local science museum provides all types of learning opportunities about fossils for curious third graders.