UF geologist brings fossils to Millhopper fourth-graders

Fourth-graders at Millhopper Montessori School in Gainesville spent a class session working with fossil specimens and rock samples alongside a University of Florida scientist.

Dr. Andrew Zimmerman of the UF Department of Geological Sciences visited the school’s fourth-grade students and led them through a series of hands-on activities built around the work of a geologist, the school said.

Fossils, rocks and evidence

“With fossil specimens, rock samples, and interactive challenges in hand, students investigated ancient life, explored the properties of geological materials, and discovered how scientists use evidence and observation to better understand the world around us,” the school said in a release.

The point of the session was to show how the scientific method works in practice. Students learned “how scientists use observation and evidence to better understand the natural world,” the school said.

From the classroom to a career

The school says the visit connected what students study in class to research and to jobs in science.

“The visit gave students a firsthand look at how the concepts they learn in the classroom connect to real-world research and careers,” the release said. “By working alongside a professional scientist, students experienced the curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving that drive scientific discovery.”

“Opportunities like this help bring learning to life and encourage curiosity, critical thinking, and discovery,” the school said.

Millhopper Montessori School thanked Zimmerman “for sharing his expertise and helping bring their science curriculum to life through hands-on exploration and discovery.”

About the school

Millhopper Montessori School is at 8505 NW 39th Ave. in Gainesville and can be reached at 352-375-6773. Earlier this week its second- and third-graders were preparing to portray figures from U.S. history at the school’s 19th Annual Historical Timeline on Oct. 30.