Activity Summary: Students will be able to build and interpret a model to simulate the extraction and analysis of an ocean floor
sediment core in order to: (1) analyze microfossils to determine the relative age of sediment layers, (2) compare and contrast their model to the actual core data/images from expedition 342, and (3) work in groups and carry out their group roles to determine the age of their specific microfossil and where it belongs in the stratigraphic column.

This is an introductory lesson focusing on biostratigraphy of ocean floor sediment. Students will build a model of a sediment core to simulate ocean drilling and microfossil analysis, identify the relative age of the sediment layers, and analyze microfossil and climate data to determine past climate conditions. This lesson can help transition to in-depth exploration of climate change and climate recovery.

This lesson has been revised and updated based on Finding Fossils: A Biostratigraphy Activity.