1. Identifying Different Types of Rocks- 

This lesson introduces many concepts involving geology:  Identifying the three categories of rock; introducing relative and absolute dating; incorporating the geological stratum of the Mesozoic Era, and hypothesizing the environment during the different periods. Please review the material and decide which features you would like to include and the best strategy to introduce the material.  The lesson should take a minimum of two and  a maximum of four class periods depending on the level and foundation of your students.

2. The Physical Properties of Minerals-

This lesson introduces and experiments with the physical properties of minerals.  The lesson should take one class period to introduce the physical properties; another class period for the experiment, and the third class period should introduce the minerals associated with fossils, more specifically petrified wood. 

3. Netlogo- 

The lesson integrates a program that simulates water percolation and mineral distribution.  The lesson comprehensively walks you through the steps involved to run the model.
  NetLogo Models - Mineral Loading Model
                     Percolation of Water and Soil

4. The Cycle of Petrification -

This lesson introduces the variables involved in the petrification process of wood, describes the process in detail, and demonstrates the process through tactile simulation.  The lesson should take two to four days to complete.

5. Stella Model-

This lesson introduces the Stella Model, visually demonstrates and involves the students in the petrification process of wood through manipulation of data.The lesson has detailed instruction and reference sites to assist you in the process. 
  Stella2Java- an interactive model - What Processes for Forming Fossilization Affect The Changing of an Organic Wood to a Petrified Rock?

6. Determining Absolute Age of Fossils- 

This lesson details absolute dating and introduces radioactive methodology involving Carbon 14 and Uranium 238, 235, and 234. The lesson provides examples using Carbon- 14 dating, and applies similar techniques by using Uranium 238.  If your school is in an area that has petrified wood, contact the local area university to coordinate projects with absolute dating.  The lesson requires one day to one week depending on location and interest of the selected topic.

7. Culminating Project-

The culminating project assesses the comprehension of the petrification process.  The students will design a model following a series of questions.  A sample power point is available, Petrification Process of Wood.

8. Additional lessons:

• How Does Wood Petrify? - supporting documents, articles,and activity
• Lab Modeling Petrified Wood - activity - demo process of petrification
• Questions and Answers - strange and unique, little known facts about fossils  and petrified objects
• Articles on Fossils and Petrification