Tag: paleontology

Classroom Ideas, Creature Feature, Current Event Connection, Main

Scientists Scratch the Surface of Pterosaur Diets

SCIENCE Microscopic scratches on fossil teeth are forcing paleontologists to rethink diets of pterosaurs. (Nature) Use our fun activity to build your own pterosaur. (Yes, our lovely Dimorphodon illustration is out-of-date. Use the one below.) Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers Toolkit. Discussion Ideas New fossil research sheds light on the diets of pterosaurs. What are pterosaurs? Read … Continue reading Scientists Scratch the Surface of Pterosaur Diets

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Classroom Ideas, Current Event Connection, Geography In the News, Main

Why Are Paleontologists Suing the Trump Administration?

POLITICS President Donald Trump sharply reduced the size of two national monuments by about two million acres, the largest rollback of federal land protection in the nation’s history. The Society of Vertebrate Paleontology is one of the groups suing the government over the decision. (Science) Why is the Trump administration rethinking the scope of national monuments? Use our study guide to find out. Teachers, scroll … Continue reading Why Are Paleontologists Suing the Trump Administration?

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Classroom Ideas, Creature Feature, Current Event Connection, Main

T. Rex’s Tiny Arms May Have Been Vicious Weapons

SCIENCE The tiny arms of a Tyrannosaurus rex may have been strong enough to slash prey at close quarters. (National Geographic) What else are we learning about T. rex anatomy? Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers Toolkit. Discussion Ideas The Nat Geo article says the general consensus is that Tyrannosaurus rex’s arms were a vestigial feature. What is … Continue reading T. Rex’s Tiny Arms May Have Been Vicious Weapons

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Classroom Ideas, Current Event Connection, Main

First Trees on Earth Ripped Themselves Apart to Grow

SCIENCE Researchers do not know why trees from more than 300 million years ago have more complex structures than trees today. (Independent) How else have trees adapted? Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers Toolkit. Discussion Ideas Scientists are surprised at the growth pattern of ancient trees. What 300-million-year-old tree species was studied? The new study examined Cladoxylopsida, extinct … Continue reading First Trees on Earth Ripped Themselves Apart to Grow

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Main, News from Nat Geo

The “Sciencing” of Homo naledi

In my last two blog posts, I’ve detailed my connection with the team that discovered our new human relative Homo naledi, deep in the Rising Star Cave in South Africa. This discovery was announced to the world formally in September 2015 and was featured as the cover story of the October 2015 issue of National Geographic magazine. Ever since the announcement, I’ve been teaching about Homo … Continue reading The “Sciencing” of Homo naledi

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