The mineralised remains or impression of once–living organisms, or of traces left behind by organisms (e.g. skeletons, shells or impressions).

An element or compound with a crystal–like structure. They are the 'building blocks' of rocks.

A material deposited by water, wind or ice, such as pebbles or sand.

A type of rock formed from the compression of sediments (rock fragments, minerals and remains of dead plants and animals).

The gradual recycling of rocks over millions of years.

Fossils and the rock cycle

Science

Physical weathering and erosion

Formation of sedimentary rock

Formation of fossil fuels

Gases in the atmosphere

Atmospheric carbon

The carbon cycle

In the Atmosphere and Changing Climate unit, pupils will build on their understanding of the carbon cycle and climate change to explore the evidence for the composition and evolution of the Earth's atmosphere, and the effects and mitigation of increased levels of carbon dioxide and methane.

In the Earth's Resources unit, pupils learned about the composition of rock, the interior of the Earth, and how igneous and metamorphic rocks are made by heating.

This unit explores the rock cycle and the formation of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks. It also examines the atmosphere's composition, human-induced carbon dioxide production, and its impact on climate. Focus is on interpreting data, identifying patterns, and presenting explanations.

Carbon cycle and climate change

Mineralised remains or impressions of once–living organisms.

Rocks that have been heated and pressurised.

Which type of rock can fossils be typically found in?

Sedimentary rock forms around the remains.

Remains are replaced by minerals from water.

Put the following steps in the process of fossilisation in the correct order, showing how fossils form over time.

The mineralised remains or impressions of once-living organisms.

An element or compound with a crystal-like structure.

A material deposited by water, wind, or ice.

A type of rock formed from the compression of sediments.

Match the following key terms to their definition.

Geological activities, such as tectonic movements, erosion, and volcanic activity, can break or completely destroy {{}} by altering the rock in which they are embedded.

By indicating the types of organisms that lived in the past.

By revealing the mineral content of rocks.

By displaying the crystal structure of minerals.

By providing information about the conditions past organisms lived in.

How can fossils provide information about past environments?

Which of the following is a type of rock that forms from the cooling of molten rock?

Which of the following is a type of sedimentary rock?

Which of the following processes breaks down rocks into smaller pieces?

material deposited by water, wind, or ice

the mineralised remains or impression of once–living organisms

the process by which rocks are worn away and transported

Match the following key words to their definition.

True or false? Metamorphic rocks are formed by the cooling of lava.

{{}} is the process where sediments are laid down or settle in a new location. It follows erosion, where the sediments are transported.

Fossils and the rock cycle

Lesson outcome