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Just-in-Time Teaching (JiTT) WarmUp Activity: Ethics of Fossil Collecting

Laura Guertin, Penn State University Delaware County
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Question:

1) What do you think it means for a fossil resource to be "abused"?

2) What's the issue with fossil hunting on federal land (such as National Parks)? Explain what your interpretation of the conflict is.

3) Do you think commercial dealers and scientists can work together? How? Is this a good idea?

Student Responses:

See the Just-in-Time Teaching page on assessment for information and ideas on how to evaluate student responses.

References and Notes:

Articles that students may be assigned to read for this set of questions include (but are not limited to):

Browne, M.W. "Clash on Fossil Sales Shadows a Trade Fair," The New York Times Book of Fossils and Evolution, p. 160-165.

The use of Just-in-Time Teaching is discussed in detail on the JiTT Starting Point page.

Additional information on JiTT is available in the book:

  • Just-in-Time Teaching: Blending Active Learning with Web Technology. Novak et al., 1999 The authors explain what Just-in-Time Teaching is, its underlying goals and philosophies, and how to implement it. They also provide an extensive section of tested resource materials that can be used in introductory physics courses with the JiTT approach. (citation and description)