By Mike Hutchens, UC Schools Communications Director
Fourth graders at Union City Elementary School were really ‘digging’ their recent science project.
Upon completing a unit that thoroughly examined fossils, each student was presented with their own fossil dig kit – courtesy of the UC Elementary School PTO. The individual kit, which included essential tools to chisel and brush while searching for various fossils, also had a rock to be chiseled away to discover which fossil was in that particular rock in the hands-on activity.
Students were able to identify various fossils, ranging from Corax shark teeth to gastropods and ancient sea urchins. Upon completion of the project, they were allowed to take home their fossils.
“It was a perfect way to take what they’d learned about the standards and make discoveries of their own,” said fourth-grade teacher Emilee Lucas, who teamed with colleagues Teanna Thomas and Randi Lynn McBride on the project.
“Students told us they felt like real paleontologists, and they gained an appreciation for the patience and dedication it takes to uncover such precious artifacts. Some of them said it felt like they were digging for buried treasure.
“We’re so appreciative of the PTO for funding the activity, and the students were thrilled to take their fossils home after they made their discoveries.”