Petrified Forest National Park - Curriculum Materials (U.S. National Park Service)

students excavate replica archeological artifacts

NPS/Marge Post

Students excavate replica archeological artifaacts such as pot sherds and an antler tool.

Rockin’ Through the Ages: From Fossils to Petroglyphs

Focusing on science and mathematical concepts with applications to language arts and social studies, Rockin’ Through the Ages: From Fossils to Petroglyphs incorporates the mission of the National Park Service and themes of stewardship and preservation for the natural and cultural resources at Petrified Forest and beyond. It is aligned with the Arizona Statewide Science (5-24-04) and Mathematics Standards for Grades 4-8. And it is FREE!

Through pre-visit classroom activities conducted by the educator, students develop the knowledge and skills to conduct a scientific study at the park and to prepare a final research project.

Field explorations at the park require at least two hours. Group size is limited to 30 students divided into no more than six field groups. All materials, with the exception of the field guides, are provided by the park. Work is conducted outside, except for Studying Fossils in the Laboratory. Field trips must be booked several weeks in advance. Park entrance fees are waived with application for a Educational Fee Waiver.

The education manual links below are in Adobe PDF.

Introduction (updated 01-03-05) - provides essential information about the program and trip planning.

Paleontology Module
(lessons and field guides updated 01-03-05)

Paleontology, Introduction to Module
Lesson 1: Program Setup
Lesson 2: Introduction to Paleontology
Lesson 3: It's a Matter of Time
Lesson 4: Mapping and Measuring
Lesson 5: Value Assessment
Lesson 6: Field Exploration
Petrified Tree Orientation, Field Guide
Fossil Excavation, Field Guide
Studying Fossils in the Laboratory, Laboratory Journal
Lesson 7: Final Project
Lesson 8: Program Evaluation

Archeology Module
(lessons and field guides updated 01-03-06)

Archeology, Introduction to Module
Lesson 1: Program Setup
Lesson 2: Introduction to Archeology
Lesson 3: It's a Matter of Time
Lesson 4: Mapping and Measuring
Lesson 5: Value Assessment
Lesson 6: Field Exploration
Monitoring Petroglyphs, Field Guide (this program is no longer offered)
Archeological Excavation, Field Guide
Subsistence Lifestyle Study, Field Guide
Lesson 7: Final Project
Lesson 8: Program Evaluation

If you want to complete your manual, print off the Rockin' Cover Page.