Educator Guide: Long-Term Experiments and Rainbow Fossils

Scientists have long puzzled over the kaleidoscope of colors shining from ammolite, an iridescent gem that forms from the fossilized remains of ancient life. Learn how researchers use science to relate the microscopic structure of this material to its macroscopic appearance. Answer questions about the electromagnetic spectrum, relating the concept of wavelength to frequency. Finally, analyze and interpret graphs, and use what you’ve learned to create your own.

In this activity, students will explore long-running research experiments that outlive their scientists, highlighted in a Science News Explores article, while reviewing essential concepts of the scientific method. They will then think about which scientific phenomena lend themselves to longer-term explorations before brainstorming ideas that could lay the foundation for a class research project.