The Methane Circus


Notes from our reviewers

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• Teaching Tips
  Educators may want to begin the lesson with the optional making a fossil activity to make the learning more active and to give students a context for the main Cambrian Explosion activity. There are many themes intertwined in this resource. The educator will have to ensure that students make the connections while they explore their fossils. Educators should stress that the evidence of these Burgess Shale fossils points to naturally-occurring climate change. It is also shows how enormous the impact on life such a change can be.
• About the Science
  The activity connects the investigation of fossils from the Burgess Shale with the possible role of methane hydrates in the Cambrian Explosion, which was the source of those fossils. Connection to climate change could be strengthened by the instructor.
• About the Pedagogy
  Students explore the appearance, size, eating habits, and phyla of a number of fossils found in the Burgess Shale. Students will likely find this activity intrinsically interesting. As an extension, students are asked to make a model of their assigned fossil. Inquiry guide is just a worksheet. A good use of a field guide to inform students about different types of Cambrium fauna.
• Technical Details/Ease of Use
  This is a complete teaching guide with many possible extensions, depending on the interests of the students and educator. Activity also available on the Smithsonian Ocean Portal site [link http://ocean.si.edu/for-educators/lessons/methane-circus]