
SHARKFINDER® CITIZEN SCIENCE
Recognized by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, Nature, Science, Scientific America and Voice of America.
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Find a new species or first occurrence of a species. Work with unsearched fossil media to find shark, ray, and skate teeth from ocean sediments that date back millions of years. And, if you make a scientifically significant discovery, you get the credit!
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When a participant of the SharkFinder® program finds a scientifically significant fossil specimen, they are acknowledged by name in the resulting professional publication. Contributors with a valuable contribution will receive a certificate of accomplishment.

6,264
CLASSROOM
CITIZEN SCIENTISTS
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5,947
LAB
CONTRIBUTIONS
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GETTING STARTED

FOSSIL MATRIX PREPARATION
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Includes forming teams and assigning team names
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Solving mathematical problems
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Sifting of the matrix
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FOSSIL
INVESTIGATION
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Searching and identifying fossils and interesting specimens from the large sieve
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Using digital microscopes and hand lenses for observation and classification
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Packaging of findings for the lab

MICRO FOSSIL INVESTIGATION
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Searching and identifying fossils and interesting specimens from the small sieve
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Using stereo microscopes and hand lenses for observation and classification
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Packaging of findings for the lab
SETTING UP THE LAB SPACE

FOSSIL MATRIX PREPARATION
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Triple Beam Balance
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150 ML beaker
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2 large paper plates
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10 mesh and 35 mesh sieves
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Task card "Massing your matrix sample"
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6 (5 gallon) buckets for water (fill to first line)
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Matrix in a bucket with scooper (matrix must be slushy and not dry otherwise, fossils will break)

FOSSIL
INVESTIGATION
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Sieved dry material from larger sieve
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Two small paper plates (for color separation)
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Toothpicks
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Hand lens
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Digital microscope
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Eppendorf tube
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Ziplock bag
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Student information sheet
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iPad
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Identification charts
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Task card "Observation & Classification"

MICRO FOSSIL
INVESTIGATION
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Sieved dry material from smaller sieve
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Small paper plates
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Petri dish
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Toothpicks
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Stereo microscope
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Eppendorf tube
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Ziplock bag
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Student information sheet
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Identification charts
RESOURCES


POORLY SIEVED
Matrix should be sieved until all gray sediment is broken down. Black indicates fossilization.
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PROPERLY SIEVED
This sample was properly sieved as most of the sample is black material which indicates fossilization.
The more black material you have, the more you can investigate.


GOING THROUGH THE SHARKFINDER PROCESS
(Videos)
HOW-TO SING ALONG VIDEO
ACTIVITIES & IDEAS
All About Sharks
Grades 2-5
(Contact us to receive
the activity book)
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Ocean Adventures: Educator Guide
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COLLECTORS PATCH
Students can commemorate their SharkFinder® experience with a collectors patch by making a minimum $10 donation! Nearly 90% of donations received from your donation drive are returned back to you. Contact us to receive donation forms.
SHARE
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