Content Standard: D. Continuity and Change
Students will understand the basis for all life and that all living things change over time.
Common Assessment(s):  (

Performance Indicators	Essential Elements (Specific grade level learning objectives)			Suggested Performance Activities	Suggested Classroom Assessments	Vocabulary
1. Describe how fossils can be used by scientists to trace the history of a species.	identify fossils how scientists use fossils understand adaptations compare fossils to current species			Students will research the various levels of the earth and the corresponding periods to discover how scientists trace the history of a species. They will use two sources, one being the Internet. Maine LAD, Horsing Around	Students will write a journal entry describing how fossils are used by scientists.	Continuity and Change adaptations characteristics climate continuation of species environment fossils genetic genetic diversity genetic variation geologic hereditary reproducing species traits transfer
2. Explain how scientists use fossils to prove that life forms, climate, environment, and geologic features in a certain location are not the same now as they were in the past.	identify climate, environment, geologic features which can affect change.			Students will discover how fossils show how climate, environment, geological features, and life forms are not the same now as in the past. If possible, a guest speaker (paleontologist) will speak to the class. An informational chart will be used as well.	Students will be assessed by teacher observations.