By comparing skeletal structures, the sixth graders at Bolinas School are learning how animals have adapted to climatic and geologic changes over time. This approach provided evidence for evolutionary theories long before DNA analysis and genetics. These animals are tromping around on the ground. Ultimately, that goes back to plate tectonics. Plants are dependent on environment.
Climate is dependent upon land masses and oceans.
Aside from science, pride in achievement is the other main component of Jolley's lesson plan. They'll have more experience. It'll be more meaningful to them because they've done it. They are participants rather than spectators. The ones in the museum are usually more professional looking, but I think ours look pretty good.