Web-based Learning Course in Paleontology for Gifted and Talented students

Education Bureau, HKSAR

Objectives

• Enhance appreciation in study of earth’s history and evolution as a scientific discipline

• Basic concepts and understanding in paleontology

• Enhance self-motivation and ability in independent study skills

Course plan

• Senior primary to junior secondary students who are scientifically inclined

• 3 levels with increasing degree of difficulty• Proficiency test at end of each level• Course contents provided both in English and

Chinese

Course activities• Web-based learning course– Exercises and activities– Tests– Supplementary information on internet– Open-ended questions

• Discussion forum and real-time Q&A sessions• Seminars on Paleontology• Workshop on restoration of fossils• Field and museum visits

Contents

Level 1

Relationship between Organisms and Paleontology

Basic concept of fossil &

Formation of fossils

Geological Time & Index fossils

The origin of life

Discover the fossils and preservation

Contents

Level 2

The Cambrian explosion - The earliest evidence of life

Ancient invertebrates

Ancient vertebrates

Basic classifications of dinosaurs

• Living environment

Level 3

Ancient Plants

The Age of Dinosaurs• The origin• Diet• Appearance• Extinction of dinosaurs

The Rise of Mammals

The Origin and Development of Humans

Mass Extinction Events

AnimationsWays of Fossil Preservation

Graphics prepared by experts

Fossil pictures (all with copyright permission)

礦質充填作用的過程

Games and on-line activities

Visit to Paleontology Museums

• Bank of China Museum• Paleontological Museum in Shenzhen