On Feb. 28, a group of Grade 5 students stepped into the shoes of real paleontologists for a day. Their science lesson came to life as they explored fossils, learning about skeletal systems, adaptation, and how different body systems work together.
From carefully chipping away at rock to revealing fossils that had been buried for millions of years, the students didn’t just read about science—they experienced it firsthand.
Digging into the past
The highlight of the visit was a fossil restoration activity where students swapped pencils for chisels, carefully working away at rock to reveal fossils untouched by human hands.
“The students talked about how satisfying it was to see the rocks come off and reveal something new," said Grade 5 teacher Matt Keil. "It was a lesson in patience and persistence, both of which are qualities essential in science and life.”
This wasn’t just a fun activity, it was a real paleontology experience, directly tying into their studies on how body systems adapt to their environment. As students examined the towering skull of an adult Triceratops and compared it to its much smaller distant relative, no bigger than a Labrador, they saw evolution in action.
“The students were fascinated by how these animals changed over millions of years,” Keil added. “It sparked great discussions about how body systems evolve and adapt.”
Then came a moment of awe, standing face to face with "Victoria", the towering Tyrannosaurus rex skull named after their very own city.
“From eye placement to skull density, every detail contributed to its survival,” Keil explained. “It was a perfect example of how body systems are interconnected.”
Beyond deepening their understanding of science, the visit ignited curiosity, excitement and a newfound appreciation for the stories fossils can tell. One thing’s for sure: This wasn’t just another field trip, it was a journey millions of years in the making.
