A fossil in my schoolA 3d pilot experience in primary education

Zusammenfassung

Often the idea in schools about fossils is quite limited. Make visible the science of Paleontology and its importance in current scientific research is the main objective of the creation of this teaching material collection. In the Spanish primary education curriculum (R.D. 126/2014), we find two objectives related directly to this science:a) Know the fundamental aspects of Nature Sciences, Social Sciences, Geography, History and Culture,b) Initiate in the use, for learning, of Information and Communication Technologies, developing a critical spirit towards the messages they receive and elaborate.The first one is clearly related to the science of Paleontology. Not only through its scientific aspects but also in the utility that fossil study have for society in general: they preserve of the environment, help to know the history of a place, give landscape value and increase the cultural offer. The second objective is obvious, digital literacy should be a priority in classroom today.According to these objectives we propose the creation of a Learning Pilot Experience: A fossil in my school. In this pilot experience, a transversal resource (a fossil) will be used to develop all the competencies of the primary education stage. To achieve this, learning in all stage subjects will focus on a shell and the 3D model of a single marine fossil from the Quaternary: Persististrombus latus. It is a medium-sized gastropod mollusk (8 to 10 cm high), with spiral growth, which lived 130,000 years ago in the Mediterranean and Atlantic. It is of interest as a Quaternary zonate fossil (or guide fossil) and in the reconstruction of warm climates. Students can study their size and shape in mathematics, discover their history in Geography or even learn the semantics of their name through the different subjects. As a final result to evaluate, students will make a report. Therefore, we propose that all areas participate collaboratively and motivate students using simple technologies to involve them in Science.