This article describes a three-dimensional 5E (Engagement, Exploration, Explanation, Elaboration, Evaluation) lesson that investigates 3-LS4-1: Analyze and interpret data from fossils to provide evidence of the organisms and the environments in which they lived. A phenomena-based approach was used to engage third graders in the story of Maya, who walks the beach in Maryland and sees what appears to be a piece of coral in the cliff. This is surprising because Maryland's current environment does not support coral. Maya gathers evidence that she takes home and photographs. Students are actively involved through exploring photographic evidence to determine why coral would be in the cliff and what can be inferred about the past.