Introduction
Tar pits, also known as asphalt pits or bitumen pits, are fascinating natural traps that have preserved the remains of countless animals for thousands of years. Teaching students about tar pits can open up a world of interest in paleontology, geology, and ecology. This article explores the importance of tar pits in understanding Earth’s history and offers tips for educators looking to help students uncover the wonders hidden beneath these ancient traps.
What Are Tar Pits?
Tar pits form when crude oil seeps from deep underground up to the surface through fissures and cracks in the Earth’s crust. Over time, the lighter components of the oil evaporate, leaving behind a thick, sticky substance known as asphalt or bitumen. This viscous material can trap unsuspecting animals that wander too close, eventually leading to their demise. The remains of these trapped animals become buried by subsequent layers of asphalt and sediment over many years, preserving them for future study.
The Importance of Tar Pits in Paleontological Research
Paleontologists often study tar pits due to their unique ability to preserve a wide variety of plant and animal species in near-pristine condition. Fossils found in tar pits provide valuable information about the ecosystems that existed thousands of years ago.
One famous example is the La Brea Tar Pits in Los Angeles, California. These tar pits have yielded over 3.5 million fossils dating back to the last Ice Age, including specimens from now-extinct megafauna like mammoths, ground sloths, and saber-toothed cats. By studying these fossils, scientists can piece together clues about ancient climates and environments.
Teaching Strategies for Introducing Students to Tar Pits
1. Provide videos or virtual field trips: Digital resources can bring tar pits directly to your classroom by offering high-quality visuals and explanations that emphasize their significance in understanding Earth’s past. Websites like the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum offer virtual tours to explore the history and excavation process.
2. Encourage hands-on learning: Simulate a mini tar pit in the classroom by mixing cornstarch, water, and black food coloring to create a thick, gooey substance. Students can attempt to “excavate” small toy animals embedded within the mixture, experiencing firsthand the challenges faced by paleontologists during real-life excavations.
3. Connect tar pits to broader science topics: Discuss tar pits’ role in teaching us about past ecosystems, extinction events, and climate change. By relating tar pits to these significant subjects, students can better understand their relevance in shaping our current knowledge of Earth’s history and environment.
4. Implement art projects related to tar pit discoveries: Encourage creativity by asking students to draw or paint their favorite extinct animal discovered in tar pits. This can lead to deeper explorations of ancient species and inspire curiosity about their way of life.
5. Schedule a field trip: If you live near a tar pit or paleontological museum, arrange a visit for your class to see real-life examples of preserved fossils and experience interactive exhibits.
Conclusion
Teaching students about tar pits is an excellent opportunity to cultivate their interest in paleontology, geology, and ecology. These natural traps not only reveal invaluable information about Earth’s history but also serve as reminders of the delicate balance between life and extinction in the natural world. By incorporating hands-on activities, creative projects, and connections to broader scientific concepts, educators can encourage students to delve deeply into these fascinating remnants of our planet’s past.
