Kick off the lesson with a brief introduction to fossils and their significance in understanding Earth's history. Start by asking students if they've ever seen or heard of fossils and what they think they tell us about the past. Use an example of a well-known fossil, such as a dinosaur bone, to illustrate how fossils are clues to past life and environments. Display images of fossil layers and explain how scientists analyze these layers to infer changes over time. This sets the context for the hands-on activity and sparks curiosity among students, preparing them for the excavation task. (10 minutes)

Guide students through a simulated fossil excavation activity. Provide each group with a container filled with layered sand and clay, representing different geological periods. Hidden within these layers are replica fossils such as shells or leaf imprints. Instruct students to carefully excavate the fossils using small brushes and tools, documenting their findings as they go. Encourage them to note the depth and type of each fossil, helping them to identify patterns. The goal is for students to understand how different layers relate to different periods in New York's geological history. This hands-on experience fosters problem-solving and critical thinking as they hypothesize the sequence of events that led to the current rock formations. (20 minutes)

Have students gather and share their excavation findings with the class. Facilitate a discussion where students compare the fossils they found and the order in which they appeared. Encourage them to think about what these patterns tell us about past environments, such as changes in climate or the emergence of new species. Use guiding questions like, 'What might the presence of a marine fossil in a high rock layer suggest about past environments?' This activity helps students practice scientific reasoning by analyzing evidence and constructing explanations about New York's geological past. (10 minutes)

Conclude the lesson by asking students to reflect on what they learned about fossils and rock layers. Prompt them to consider how the excavation activity helped them understand geological changes over time. Encourage them to think about how they might use this information to create a digital storytelling project in future lessons. This reflection allows students to consolidate their learning and prepares them for subsequent activities, such as developing a virtual tour app that communicates New York’s geological history. (5 minutes)