Wanted: Oscar Obsidian - Auckland Museum

ACTIVITY SHEET
PALAEONTOLOGISTS
Scientists who specialize in uncovering the earth's past through studying fossils and rock layers are called
palaeontologists. Some go to university, while others have their interest sparked at an early age. One
such person was an 11 year old English girl, Mary Anning, who discovered an Ichthyosaur fossil, a large
sea-living creature, in 1810. As you can imagine her interest became a passion and she made many more
discoveries. She is commemorated in a church stained glass window.
New Zealand has many famous palaeontologists, people such as: Joan Wiffen, James Allen Thompson,
Alexander McKay, Sir Charles Fleming and Julius von Haast. Research one of these, or call your local university
or museum to find out about one of the palaeontologists there.
Set out your information as below or use your own headings (Do not use this sheet, but make your own).
Picture or photograph.
Name of the scientist.
Born? Family? Anyone else
famous in family?
How they became a palaeontologist.
Picture or photograph.
One famous discovery.
Include the how, when where
and who was involved.
Sketch or copy image. Tools of a palaeontologist.
Describe the materials and the
methods used to get the fossils
out.
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Auckland Museum
Activity
Sheet