Sharks Teeth & Fossils

Eastern North Carolina is home to some of the most dense fossil soils around. In this session, students will learn where and how to find them as well as identify some of the many species that can be found. Students will explore different types of fossils and dive deep on shark teeth specifically. The session instructor will share his personal fossil collection to show and tell what he's found over the last ten years.

Required Materials: None

Optional Materials: Download and print the Sharks Teeth & Fossils Learning & Discussion Guide for students to use as they follow along; Parents/Guardians/Teachers can use the Sharks Teeth & Fossils Answer Key to check the student's work.

Tech Requirements: Hosted on Zoom; Optional - Flipgrid At the end of the session, you'll be able to share your own fossils through a Flipgrid prompt. Don't know what Flipgrid is? Check it out here: www.flipgrid.com

Recording: Sharks Teeth & Fossils Zoom Recording

Sharks Teeth & Fossils Flipgrid Show & Tell

Sharks Teeth & Fossils Prezi


Key Vocabulary & Learning Concepts

Types of fossils (mold, cast, petrified, etc.) Collection process & tools

Archaeological periods Elevation Soil layers

Serration Enamel Root

Modern versus Extinct species Types of sharks Structure & function of teeth

Use this link to print a pdf of the vocabulary, learning concepts and standards alignment.

This session aligns with the following NC teaching standards for grades 3, 4, & 5

Third Grade

Science 3.P.2 Understand the structure and properties of matter before and after they undergo a change.

Language Arts RI.3.1 Ask and answer questions to demonstrate understanding of a text, referring explicitly to the text as the basis for the answers.

Language Arts RI.3.2 Determine the main idea of a text; recount the key details and explain how they support the main idea.

Language Arts RI.3.4 Determine the meaning of general academic and domain-specific words and phrases in a text relevant to a grade 3 topic or subject area.

Language Arts RI.3.6 Distinguish their own point of view from that of the author of a text.

Language Arts RI.3.7 Use information gained from illustrations (e.g., maps, photographs) and the words in a text to demonstrate understanding of the text (e.g., where, when, why, and how key events occur).

Fourth Grade

Science 4.P.2 Understand the composition and properties of matter before and after they undergo a change or interaction.

Science 4.E.2 Understand the use of fossils and changes in the surface of the earth as evidence of the history of Earth and its changing life forms.

Language Arts RI.4.7 Interpret information presented visually, orally, or quantitatively and explain how the information contributes to an understanding of the text in which it appears

Language Arts RI.4.4 Determine the meaning of general academic and domain-specific words or phrases in a text relevant to a grade 4 topic or subject area

Language Arts RF.4.4 Know and apply grade-level phonics and word analysis skills in decoding words

Language Arts L.4.4 Determine and/or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grade 4 reading and content, choosing flexibly from a range of strategies: context clues, word parts, word relationships, and reference materials

Language Arts L.4.6 Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific words and phrases, including those that signal precise actions, emotions, or states of being and that are basic to a particular topic

Fifth Grade

Science 5.P.2 Understand the interactions of matter and energy and the changes that occur.

Language Arts RI.5.2 Determine two or more main ideas of a text and explain how they are supported by key details; summarize the text.

Language Arts RI.5.4 Determine the meaning of general academic and domain-specific words and phrases in a text relevant to a grade 5 topic or subject area.