Issues in Earth Science

Eww, There's some Geology in my Fiction!"

Our story this month focuses on a stratigraphy puzzle; bones from the Jurassic appear to be mixed with bones from the Cretaceous in a single rock layer.  

Can a love of art inspire Jace to solve the geological puzzle, connect with his stepdad, and shut up the local bully all in one afternoon at the dig?

Find out in Dinosaur Dig by Jacqueline Howland.

Be sure to also check out past stories and classroom activities in Past Issues.

We feature short fiction stories for middle and high school students that illustrate key earth science concepts in the plot of the story.  These are fun but educational stories suitable for the classroom.

Past Issues

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Current issue:

Our story this issue features our first truly stratigraphic puzzle.  In Dinosaur Dig by Jacqueline Howland, Jace overcomes his frustrations with science to solve a geological mystery and connect with his scientist stepdad.

Dinosaur Dig by Jacqueline Howland.

Teacher's Resources for Dinosaur Dig

Illustration for Dinosaur Dig by Erin Colson

Dinosaur Dig

 by Jacqueline Howland

Sighing, Jace stared morosely out the passenger window of his stepfather’s Jeep at the high desert scenery they were passing. Six weeks of looking for bits of old bone, because that’s what his stepfather did. Six weeks of being light years from LA and his friends, and no electronic devices allowed, so he couldn’t call or text or even listen to his music. At least he’d been allowed to bring his drawing stuff. He could see possibilities in the dramatic rise of lava tubules around them, thrusting into the deep blue sky like fingers pointing toward the light. Still, he’d so much rather have gone to Mexico with his mother. But his stepdad had said no, she’d be busy enough taking care of her dying grandmother along with his five-year-old sister. Half-sister, he’d wanted to correct. Your kid. He knew the score about that and this trip. He’d overheard his stepdad saying Jace shouldn’t go to a place that held such painful memories.

  

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