Record the fossil clue's grid reference before moving it

A position record is useful only when someone else can find the same square. Agree on the coordinate convention and practise relocating a paper clue from its written reference before extending the pretend excavation.

Agree on coordinates. Locate a card. Record its position.

Make the notation recoverable

Agree on coordinate order before recording. The usefulness of a field record depends on another person being able to recover the intended position.

A card at B3 can be found again using the shared grid.

Could a partner relocate it? Use a smaller grid.

Coordinate order needs a clear convention.

Resources

• Fossil Clue Partner Game — Use the paper clues as a classroom evidence model.

Further reading

• Smithsonian — palaeontology teaching resources

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