This basic information about Foraminifera, an important microfossil explains what they are, where they live, and why they are important and also how they are used in the search for petroleum. The biology and classification of Foraminifera are also covered. In addition, photomicrographs of Foraminifera as captured by the Environmental Scanning Electron Microscope at the Museum of Paleontology are included. ... Full description.

This article describes the occurrence and habits of Mesosaurus, a small marine reptile that lived during the late Carboniferous and early Permian periods, as seen at a site in Namibia. Topics include the distribution of Mesosaurus fossils in both African and South American rock formations (evidence of continental drift), the shallow sea habitats in which Mesosuarus existed 280 to 320 million years ... Full description.

This set of lessons provides teachers with ideas on how to turn their schoolyards into a rich geologic experience that students will find familiar, easily accessible, and personally relevant. The three lesson plans feature materials on mapping, rock descriptions and geologic interpretations, ages of rocks, and dinosaur tracks. Lesson 1, "Map Your Schoolyard," teaches students what maps are, what they ... Full description.

This computer activity provides a basic understanding of what a fossil is and the factors involved in becoming part of the fossil record. It is organized as an informational tour in two sections: one for middle school and one for high school. Students move at a self-selected pace by progressing and answering questions. A teacher's guide contains all necessary instructions as well as lesson plans, ... Full description.

This is the teacher resource site for the University of California Museum of Paleontology (UCMP) program "Stories from the Fossil Record". It provides information to aide instructors in implementing the program in a classroom setting. Included are lesson plans, handouts, related activities, and background references. Also included are pre- and post-lesson assessments. Full description.

This student activity demonstrates how foraminifera can be used to analyze climate. It contains background information and the classroom activity, which includes instructions and the required charts and graphs. Full description.

This interactive feature provides an introduction to the theory of plate tectonics. Topics include the history of ideas on plate tectonics, some evidence that the continents were once connected to each other, what happens when plates move and collide, and a description of the internal structure of the Earth. Interactive illustrations and animated maps are included to help reinforce these concepts. Full description.

This site explains how to use evidence from fossils to understand the ecology of ancient organisms. Fossils provide clues and together abiotic and biotic factors combine to form complete ecosystems, each with its own unique ecology and history. Predator and prey relationships and dispersal are used as examples to show how fossils can also tell us about biotic factors, such as what organisms are present ... Full description.

This interactive site demonstrates how fossil evidence and the principle of superposition are used to determine the age of rock layers and fossils. It contains several examples of index fossils and how they are used to date events. Geologic changes including continental drift are also related to fossil evidence. Full description.

This reference describes the relationship between reef formation and sea level, how it can be used to detect ancient changes in sea level, and how it might be used to predict the results of future increases in sea level. Topics include the coral environment, how reefs respond to changes in sea level, and how limestone forms. There is also an activity in which students use maps of present and past ... Full description.