Virtual Camp: Day 4

Learn about the past environment of the Florissant, CO area.

Reconstructing Past Environments

How do scientists know what past environments looked like? Through studying the fossils we've found here of ancient plants and animals, we can learn about the past climate. We can also learn from modern relatives of now extinct plants and animals.

The types of rocks also show what the past environment was like and records various geologic events such as volcanic eruptions or the formation and disappearance of ancient lakes. Learn about different techniques used to reconstruct past climates through the following activities.

Geologic Maps

Students will make their own interpretive map of the Florissant valley using either watercolor paint or whatever else is available to them. The students will create their maps using a video filmed at the overlook point on the geologic trail to provide them with a large view of the valley. They will use Arthur Lakes’ 1878 watercolor map of the Florissant valley as a reference.

So You Wanna be a Paleobotanist?

Students will re-create scientific studies done by paleobotanists analyzing data from fossil plants found at Florissant Fossil Beds to draw conclusions about the paleoclimate 34 million years ago. In this activity, students will identify fossil plant species by their leaves, review data on the growing conditions of their nearest modern plant relatives, and compare as many species as possible to determine the range of temperature and precipitation that the fossil plant community can live in.