Fantastic Fossils

Nothing fills us with a sense of wonder like fossils. What looks at first like a simple rock is in fact a clue that reveals the staggering diversity of ancient environments, the winding pathways of evolution, and the majesty of a vanished earth. But as much as one might daydream of digging a hole in the backyard and finding a Tyrannosaurus, only a few places contain these buried treasures, and when a scientist comes across a remnant of prehistoric life, great care must be taken. What do budding paleontologists need to know before starting their search? In Fantastic Fossils, Donald R. Prothero offers an accessible, entertaining, and richly illustrated guide to the paleontologist’s journey. He details the best places to look for fossils, the art of how to find them, and how to classify the major types. Prothero provides expert wisdom about typical fossils that an average person can hope to collect and how to hunt fossils responsibly and ethically. He also explores the lessons that both common and rarer discoveries offer about paleontology and its history, as well as what fossils can tell us about past climates and present climate change. Captivating illustrations by the paleoartist Mary Persis Williams bring to life hundreds of important specimens. Offering valuable lessons for armchair enthusiasts and paleontology students alike, Fantastic Fossils is an essential companion for all readers who have ever dreamed of going in search of traces of a lost world.

Describes various fossil finds in a graphic-novel format.

Dig into the world of geology with the Rock On! series! Fantastic Fossils introduces readers to the different types of fossils and how they form, from petrifaction and carbonization to molds, impressions, and amber. Chapters discuss key fossils finds, such as perfectly preserved mammoths and the dinosaur-like, feathered archaeopteryx. Readers will be introduced to scientists who made important discoveries and contributions to the study of fossils. They will also learn about the way we use fossils today, in the form of fossil fuels. A colorful geologic time scale spreads across two pages and an at-home experiment provides the opportunity for hands-on experience. Full-color photographs will draw in the reader while easy-to-read text breaks down complex concepts. Glossary words in bold, an index, and phonetic spellings for those hard-to-pronounce geologic terms enhance and supplement the text. Checkerboard Library is an imprint of ABDO Publishing Company.

In bold, colorful, graphic nonfiction format, Fantastic Fossils tells three captivating stories about early paleontology and the popular figures who helped develop the field, including Anning, Cope, and Marsh. These richly-illustrated, high-interest stories are perfect for the reluctant reader, and the engaging, informative narratives are accessible introductions to the engrossing history of paleontology.

Earth science comes alive for children 6 to 9 through 60 engrossing games, activities, and experiments. Kids “core sample” a filled cupcake and discover plate tectonics by floating graham cracker continents on a molten mantle of molasses. They learn how heat changes rocks by seeing how separate ingredients disappear when they bake Rice Krispie Treats. More activities show what causes earthquakes and what kinds of buildings resist their force. Growing sugar and salt crystals, “fossilizing” plastic insects, and modeling a variety of volcanoes add to the learning and the fun. Eight of the activities are tasty as well as informative. Silly songs help children remember new words and concepts, and a resource section gives inexpensive sources for rocks, minerals, and fossils. All the projects have been tested in homes and schools to make sure they are safe, effective, and fun.

This fact-packed book is the perfect introduction to fossils. It investigates all types of fossils from woolly mammoths to ammonites, and includes photographs, diagrams, and charts. Children can also excavate the pieces of a dinosaur skeleton hidden inside the slime add-on.

Dinosaurs were amazing reptiles. These beasts existed during the Mesozoic era. You've probably heard of dinosaurs like Brontosaurus and Tyrannosaurus Rex. But what about Titanosaurus and Rhinorex? Or, Kosmoceratops? How about Allosaurus, and Utahraptor? Learn all about these extreme dinosaurs as you compare and round decimals! This nonfiction reader seamlessly integrates the teaching of math and reading, and uses real-world examples to teach math concepts. Text features include images, a glossary, an index, captions, and a table of contents to build students' vocabulary and reading comprehension skills as they interact with the text. The rigorous practice problems, math charts and diagrams, and sidebars extend learning and provide multiple opportunities for students to practice what they have learned. The Math Talk section provides an in-depth problem-solving experience.

At home in her seaside town in England, little Mary Anning stared out her window. Unlike other children, Mary couldn't wait for a rainy day. Because when it rained... the bones were revealed. With her father and brother, Mary would go out searching the damp soil after a storm, with the hopes of finding something nobody had seen before: a dinosaur. After her father dies, Mary must continue her search, picking up his tools and venturing out alone. In her life, she discovered several creatures, but was never given credit...until recently. This eye-opening biography of the legendary Mary Anning, illustrated by Maris Wicks, shatters expectations and brings together two creators who are as passionate about their subject as they are about their art. Inspiring, this true adventure begs for re-reads.