Lesson 1 of 1 · Fossils
Experiment⭐ 30 XPLayers Tell a Story
Layers Tell a Story.
🎯 Your mission
Set it up. Test it. Be amazed.
⚡ The twist
Nature loves to surprise the careful watcher.
Mind = Blown
🔬 The more you look, the more nature shows you.
Make a hypothesis first
Before you start: write down what you think will happen, and why.
What You'll Learn
Sediment settles in layers, so in undisturbed rock the deepest layer is the oldest. Reading the order of layers and the fossils inside them is how geologists work out the sequence of events without knowing exact dates.
Key Words
Tap a word to see its definition.
Materials Needed
- clear jar
- sand
- gravel
- soil
- small objects
Safety First
- Wash hands after handling soil.
- Small objects are a choking hazard for young children.
Steps
Read the explanation above and note the two key terms before you start.
Build layered strata in a clear jar with sand, gravel and soil, pressing a different small object into each layer. Swap jars with a partner and put their objects in age order.
Record what actually happened, including anything that did not match what you expected.
Write a conclusion that answers the question this lesson opened with, and state your uncertainty.
Check Your Understanding
Question 1
1 of 2In undisturbed rock layers, the oldest layer is:
Where you see this in real life
This shows up in your everyday life more than you'd think.
Stretch Challenge
Try this in real life this week.
Try one experiment in real life this week — even a tiny one.
For the dinner table
“What's the most surprising thing you learned today?”
Next Smart Experiment
We'll pick an experiment that matches exactly how you're thinking right now.
Share this experiment
Send it to a parent who's looking for a 10-minute kitchen science win.
Ready?
Layers Tell a Story
Set it up. Test it. Be amazed.
Full screen — no distractions
Checkout complete lesson on Fossils for 3rd Grade
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