• Jasper Forest is magical in twilight, particularly the logs on stone pedestals

    Petrified Forest

    National Park Arizona

Curriculum Materials

students excavate replica archeological artifacts

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

NPS/Marge Post

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.

The education manual links below are pdf files.

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.

Contact us for more information.

Did You Know?

Pallid bat sleeping on a wall.

There are about ten known species of bats in the park. This is a pallid bat sleeping at the Painted Desert Complex. Discover more about mammals of Petrified Forest. More...