A fossil is the remains or imprint of living things that are sometimes preserved in rock.

Living things decay when they die, meaning they gradually break down and rot away.

Sediment is a solid material that can be moved and deposited in a new location.

An imprint is a mark on a surface that has occurred by pressing something into it.

How fossils are formed

Science

In this Rocks and soil unit, pupils learn to describe in simple terms how fossils are formed. In the Evolution and inheritance unit, pupils will build on this knowledge to recognise that things have changed over time and that fossils provide information about living things that inhabited the Earth millions of years ago.

In the Uses of everyday materials unit, pupils learnt to identify and compare the suitability of materials, including rock. In this Rocks and soils unit, pupils will build on this knowledge to compare and group different kinds of rocks on the basis of their appearance and simple physical properties.

This unit covers comparing and grouping rocks based on appearance and physical properties, understanding fossil formation, and recognising that soils are made from rocks and organic matter. It involves setting up practical enquiries, making observations, and using evidence to answer questions.

Rocks and soils

Physical activity and equipment requiring safe use

Fossils are the preserved remains of things that lived ...

Fossils can be formed from which of these things?

True or false? Every living thing that dies becomes a fossil. 

Some fossils are formed by an {{}} of parts of living things, like bones, feathers, shells or leaves.

We sometimes use {{}} to show how fossils are formed in different ways because we can't experience this first hand.  

Rock is a solid material that occurs naturally in ...

Which of these images show that weathering has occurred? 

{{}} is when land is worn away by natural forces, such as water or wind, and transported to another location.

Content guidance

Risk assessment required - equipment

Exploration of objects

Adult supervision required

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

How fossils are formed

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.