Fossils
Overview
Where did fossils come from? What are they? How do plants and animals turn to stone? How are fossils dug out of the ground? Learn the answers to these questions and more!
Investiture Achievement Connection: This Honor is related to the Investiture Achievement requirements for EXPLORER Nature Study which require studying material that complements this Honor. Therefore this Honor is a popular choice for the Skill Level 2 or 3 Nature Honor required for WILDERNESS EXPLORER.
Requirements
1. Make a collection of at least ten different kinds of fossils and label each with its name and geographic location.
2. Have a brief definition of each of the following in your notebook:
- a. Geology
- b. Fossils
- c. Catastrophism
- d. Paleontology
- e. Graptolite
- f. Trilobite
- g. Dinosaur
- h. Mammoth
- i. Mastodon
- j. Crinoid
- k. Lingula
- l. Calamite
- m. Foraminifera
- n. Radiolaria
- o. Paleozoic
- p. Mesozoic
- q. Cenozoic
- r. Pleistocene
- s. Paleobotany
- t. Pelecypod
- u. Brachiopod
3. Visit a museum where fossils are on display and make a written or oral report of your trip.
4. Describe the process of the proper removal of delicate specimens. Tell how a skeleton of a dinosaur or other gigantic fossil would be removed. Why should beginners not remove such specimens? What should be done by the beginner when he finds what is obviously a valuable fossil?
5. Explain the difference in the account scientists give for the presence of fossils as related by evolutionists and creationists.
6. From the Bible and writings of Ellen G. White cite statements to explain the origin of the following:
- a. Coal
- b. Petroleum
- c. Fossils
- d. Limestone
1. Provide a brief definition of each of the following terms:
- a. Geology
- b. Fossils
- c. Catastrophism
- d. Paleobotany, Paleontology
2. Draw, make a model or include a photograph the following:
- a. Radiolaria
- b. Crinoid, Graptolite
- c. Trilobite
- d. Dinosaur
- e. Mastodon, Mammoth
- f. Brachiopod, Pelecypod
- g. Lingula
3. Explain the characteristics of the Paleozoic, Cenozoic, Mesozoic and Pleistocene eras. Place them in chronological order. Explain why Creationists use these terms.
4. Describe the process of the proper removal of delicate specimens. Tell how a skeleton of a dinosaur or other gigantic fossil would be removed. Why should beginners not remove such specimens? What should be done by the beginner when he finds what is obviously a valuable fossil?
5. Explain the difference in the account scientists give for the presence of fossils as related by evolutionists and creationists.
6. From the Bible and writings of Ellen G. White, cite statements to explain the origin of fossils.
7. Research five fossil ancestors of animals living today. How do the fossil ancestors compare and contrast with modern animals?
8. Do two of the following:
- a. Spend time searching for fossils and attempting to identify them. Bring them in to show your Pathfinder Club.
- b. Make a plant or animal fossil model with plaster, clay or other medium.
- c. Visit a museum where fossils are on display and make a written or oral report of your trip.
9. Make a collection of at least ten different kinds of fossils and label each with its name and geographic location. Classify them as impression, mineralized, trace or preserved organic material.
10. Prepare a parable or short spiritual lesson based on fossils using what has been learned in this honor.
Answer key & resources
Master awards
This honor counts toward:
Investiture Achievement
This honor is required, suggested or listed as an option in:
See also
- Creationism - AdvancedHonor
- ExplorerReference
Adapted from AY Honors/Fossils on the Pathfinder Wiki, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0. See the original page's history for its authors.
Found a mistake? Report it.
This is an unofficial community site. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, the North American Division, or the official Pathfinder Wiki. Content is adapted from the Pathfinder Wiki under CC BY-SA 3.0.