Productive Learning Environment:
Field Trip: Fossils Forever?

Flooding in 1993 scoured away centuries of soil and exposed an ancient riverbed near Coralville Lake north of Iowa City. The gorge shows abundant fossils from the Devonian Era. The integrated lesson (languages arts/science) featured a field trip to the site.

- Preparation: Visited site to investigate surroundings. Collaborated with colleagues in preparing lesson goals, project ideas, and assessment tools. - Observation: Students examined fossils and estimated fossil age. Students collected water samples for pollution tests. - Findings: Students recorded their observations, worked in groups to write language arts papers and to prepare a poster session display.