The Burgess Shale Fossil Beds
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
University of Calgary PRISM: University of Calgary's Digital Repository Graduate Studies Legacy Theses 1999 A cross-curricular unit of study for science 20: the burgess shale fossil beds Booth, Carey Sean Booth, C. S. (1999). A cross-curricular unit of study for science 20: the burgess shale fossil beds (Unpublished master's thesis). University of Calgary, Calgary, AB. doi:10.11575/PRISM/24155 http://hdl.handle.net/1880/25248 master thesis University of Calgary graduate students retain copyright ownership and moral rights for their thesis. You may use this material in any way that is permitted by the Copyright Act or through licensing that has been assigned to the document. For uses that are not allowable under copyright legislation or licensing, you are required to seek permission. Downloaded from PRISM: https://prism.ucalgary.ca THE UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY A Cross-Curricular Unit of Study for Science 20: The Burgess Shale Fossil Beds by Carey Sean Booth A THESIS SUBMITTED TO THE FACULTY OF GRADUATE STUDIES IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF LMASTEROF ARTS GRADUATE DIVISION OF EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH CALGARY, ALBERTA JUNE, 1999 O Carey Sean Booth 1999 National Library Biblioth&que nationale of Canada du Canada Acquisitions and Acquisitions et Bibliographic Services services bibliographiques 395 Wellington Street 395. rue Wellington OttawaON KlAON4 OtcawaON K1AON4 Canada Canada The author has granted a non- L'auteur a accorde une licence non exclusive licence allowing the exclusive pennettant a la National Library of Canada to Bibliotheque nationale du Canada de reproduce, loan, distribute or sell reproduire, preter, distribuer ou copies of this thesis in microform, vendre des copies de cette these sous paper or electronic formats. la fonne de microfiche/film, de reproduction sur papier ou sur format electronique. The author retains ownership of the L'auteur conserve la propriete du copyright in this thesis. Neither the droit d'auteur qui protege cette these. thesis nor substantial extracts fiom it Ni la these ni des extraits substantieis may be printed or othenvise dc: celle-ci ne doivent etre imprimes reproduced without the author's ou autrement reproduits sans son permission. autorisation. ABSTRACT A CROSS-CURRICULARUNIT OF STUDY FOR SCIENCE 20: THE BURGESS SHALE FOSSIL BEDS The Burgess Shale Fossil Beds in Yoho National Park offer Science 20 students an opportunity to learn about geologic processes, the history of life on earth, and the rich heritage of a precious landscape. By exploring the fossil beds themselves and their surrounding environs in a cross-curricular approach, it is possible to transcend the exclusive nature of geologic science and make it more accessible to those who would otherwise be intimidated to learn about it. This work is a collection of lesson plans and resources in a textbook format for teachers to use in whole or in part when learning about these fossils and the processes that created them. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Several individuals played a large part in supporting this project. I would like to thank Dr. Bryant Griffith and Dr. George Labercane - for originally convincing me that this was a worthwhile project (they were right!). Special mention is also extended to Dr. Garth Benson and Dr. Charles Henderson whose timely direction and suggestions bridged the many gaps I encountered. I would also like to thank Sean, Joan, Tanis, Sam md Hersh for their support and proof readtng. Further thanks should be extended to my colleagues Ian Waugh and Jeff Reading, who guided me in several ways (most of which they are unaware on and I am most grateful. Finally. special thanks goes to my wife Paulr: - who endured several edits, typing requests, geologic talks, seminars, and interpretive walks on the way towards completing this work. Tolerant of my delays, tuition fees and frequent work binges, her unwavering support helped see this project to its conclusion. It is my hope that the mysteries of geology and its processes are now a little easier to understand and appreciate. TABLE OF CONTENTS CHAPTER PAGE .. Approval Pa. =e..................................................................................... ...11 Abstract ................................................................................................ 111 Acknowledgements .................................................................................. iv Table of Contents .................................................................................... v ... List of Tables ........................................................................................ VIII List of Figures ........................................................................................ ix CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION ...................................................... -1 Why use the Burgess Shale to teach the Earth Science Unit of Science 20? ........, 7 Can these lessons be used with the existing Science 20 curriculum? ................. 3 What personal research and experience were used to develop these lessons? ..... -3 What process was followed in developing these lessons? .. .. ......................... 3 What is the definition of a cross-curricular framework? ...............................4 Where does this study fit into the Science 20 curriculum?............................. 4 Curriculum connections ..................................................................... 5 Are there other examples of earth science lessons designed in a similar style? ..... 6 Are there educational materials or opportunities to learn about ....................... the Burgess Shale?............................. .. ........................................... 7 How is this study laid out? .................................................................. 8 How long are each of the chapters? ...................................................... -8 How should educators use this study? .................................................... 9 CHAPTER 2 THE GREAT DEBATE OF 1860 .................................... LO Introd!~ction................................................................................ -10 . Organ~z~tlonalFramework ............................................................... 12 Background .................................................................................. 15 Ins tructio~is.................................................................................. 15 Characters .................................................................................. -17 Reader's Theatre Dialogtie .............................................................. -23 CHAPTER 3 RELATING DARWIN TO THE CLASSROOM: A STUDY LN THE FALLIBILITY OF SCIENCE USING THE BURGESS SHALE ................................................................... -38 Introduction ................................................................................ -38 Organizational Framework .............................................................. 40 Instructions................................................................................ -42 Background ................................................................................ -45 Cast of Characters .......................................................................... 48 Trace Fossils ............................................................................. -33 CHAPTER 4 GEOLOGY THROUGH ART ...................................... -58 Introduction ................. .... ........................................................ -58 . Organlzat~onalFramework .............................................................. -59 Instructions ................................................................................. -61 Background ................................................................................ -61 A Guide to the Geology and Art of Yoho National Park .............................. 64 Laying the Groundwork ......................................................... -68 . Putting ~t Together ............................................................... -71 Carving the Landscape ............................................................ 75 Glaciers ............................................................................ -76 Hanging Valleys and Glacial Lakes ............................................. 80 CHAPTER 5 HIKING THE TRAIL TO THE BURGESS SHALE............ 83 Introduction.. ................................................................................ -83 Organ~zationalFramework ............................................................... 87 Topic Discussion 1: Montane Ecology ................................................ ..87 Topic Discussion 2: Mass Wasting and Avalanche Slope Eco!ogy ................. 89 Topic Discussion 3: Vegetative Regions of the Mountain Ecosystem .............. 89 Botanical Lesson .......................................................................... -90 Montane Plants .................................................................... 94 Subalpine Plants ................................................................... 98 Alpine Plants .................................................................... -101 Lichens and Mosses ............................................................ -102 Topic Discussion I:History and Significant Dates in Yoho National Park ..... -108 Topic Discussion 5: From the Pre-Cambrian to Paleozoic Era ..................... I11 Topic Discussion 6: Coral ..............................................................