Learn the Great Basin Field Trip Lesson Plan
This information was last updated on July 24, 2001
GRADE LEVEL
4th grade
6th grade
NAME OF FIELD TRIP
Hazen Diatomite Mine
DESCRIPTION OF TRIP
The Eagle Pitcher diatomite mine offers students to discover the fossil record as it was laid down millions of years ago. The experience allows students to uncover stickleback fossils deposited over millenniums of receding waters and shifting sands.
GOALS OF THE TRIP
This trip is designed for students to be actively engaged in discovery of and interpretation of fossils in an effort to learn about the importance of the fossil record to scientists. It is also a discovery of Nevada's natural resources that are used in the production of everyday household items.
STANDARDS
Fourth Grade
18.3.1 Explain that science is a process that involves observing and asking questions about the natural world.
10.4.2 Compare and contrast the location of landforms
16.4.1 Identify the natural resources of Nevada
16.5.1 Investigate and describe resources have distinct properties which determine their usefulness.
16.5.2 Explain how Earth materials including those found in Nevada provide resources that humans use.
21.5.4 Make observations of the environment using their senses and instruments. Make inferences and interpretations based on observations. Classify observable properties and organize observations in a meaningful way.
Sixth Grade
10.8.2 Investigate and describe how the combination of constructive and destructive forces result in the formation of landforms.
10.8.6 Explain that earthquakes, landslides, volcanoes, and floods are geologic phenomena.
12.8.1 Explain how some changes on the Earth's surface are due to slow process and some are due to rapid process
12.8.2 Investigate and describe how fossils provide important evidence of how life and environmental conditions have changes throughout geologic time.
12.8.3 Explain how earth's processes we observe today are similar to those that occurred in the past.
20.8.3 Identify and illustrate natural cycles within a system.
LOGISTICS
Potential Hazards/Cautions: This is an outdoor activity with little or no shade. Snakes and animals do reside here.
Sunscreen is a must during all seasons and all participants must be made aware to be on the lookout for animals.
Suggested Time/Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
FIELD GEAR: (eye loops, dull thinbladed scrapers or butter knifes, recording journals, cameras)
Project Supplied: None
Provided on Site: None
CONTACTS
People: Eagle Pitcher - Hazen Diatomite Pit - 850-8058
Bus: WCSD Transportation Department, 353 - 5900
FACILITIES
Maximum / Minimum number of students allowed: not applicable
Docents: Not Provided
Restrooms: Nearest Available at Rest Stop 1 mile west of Fernley on I-80
Water: Must be part of student equipment
Refreshments: N/A
Weather Conditions / Dress Suggestions: It can be cooler; casual dress is a must; appropriate footwear for the outdoors is a must.
COSTS
Guided Tours: N/A
Self-Guided Tours -- No Cost
Transportation -- $160 per school bus. 47 persons per bus.-WCSD
Requirements --- Reservations are required for logistical reasons. Contact Eagle Pitcher
REFERENCES
Teacher Preparation Materials:
Teacher Manuals
Student Reference Materials
Text Books
Teacher and Student Web Site: www.learnthegreatbasin.net
PRE FIELD TRIP ACTIVITIES / INVESTIGATIONS
Student discovery, observations, and data collection.
DURING TRIP ACTIVITIES
Random sampling
Transect sampling
Grid samples
Field sketches
Discovery
ASSESSMENTS
Student notebooks or field journals. Student writing (descriptions, poetry, reflective essays)
Student work samples: Part of our goal is to incorporate student artwork and data onto the
www.learnthegreatbasin.net web site. Please submit appropriate pieces to us for inclusion on the site.