Drawing Fossils

STEMLinc Video Conferencing: It really is true that a picture is worth a thousand words.  During this event, your students will engage in scientific drawing as they learn about the fascinating trilobite. (Image: Shane Tolentino) 

Year Level:  3 – 6

Duration: 1 hour

STEM in a box: No

Background Information:

In the field a palaeontologist uses pictures in their notebooks for two purposes. The first is to communicate fossil locations with maps. The second is to communicate fossil shapes and relative positions for preparators back home in the lab. Drawing a fossil allows us to focus closely on the structural elements of the animal.

Prior Knowledge:

No prior knowledge necessary.

Learning Intentions: 

In this program students will:

• gain an appreciation of the work of a palaeontologist
• learn the difference between anterior, posterior and superior viewpoints when sketching
• explore the adaptations of the trilobite

Activities:

In this video conference students will:

• engage in a series of questions and answers
• complete a scientific drawing of a trilobite based on an Australian fossil

Victorian Curriculum: 

Years 3 – 4

Art: Visual Arts Practices

• Explore visual conventions and use materials, techniques, technologies and processes specific to particular art forms, and to make artworks (VCAVAV026)

Years 5 – 6

Science: Biological sciences 

• Living things have structural features and adaptations that help them to survive in their environment (VCSSU074)
• The growth and survival of living things are affected by the physical conditions of their environment (VCSSU075)

Art: Visual Arts Practices

• Select and apply visual conventions, materials, techniques, technologies and processes specific to different art forms when making artworks (VCAVAV030)

IMPORTANT:  Cancellation Policy

1. When you book you will receive an automated message from Eventbrite.  Save this carefully please.
2. Any cancellations need to be received in time for STEMLinc to re-sell your tickets to other teachers.
3. Please use the Eventbrite confirmation email to facilitate any cancellation of your booking.  That will automatically release your ticket for re-sale on our system.