Where fossils are found (non-statutory)
I can describe where fossils are likely to be found.
Where fossils are found (non-statutory)
I can describe where fossils are likely to be found.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- A fossil is any evidence of prehistoric life from millions of years ago.
- Palaeontologists tell us that the most common fossils are bones, teeth and shells.
- Fossils are mainly found within sedimentary rocks, such as cliffs and river valleys, formed over thousands of years.
- Fossil discoveries can be researched using secondary sources of information.
Keywords
Fossil - A fossil is the remains or imprint of living things that are sometimes preserved in rock.
Prehistoric - Prehistoric times are time periods which came before written records began.
Palaeontologist - Palaeontologists study fossils as a guide to the history of life on Earth.
Sedimentary rock - Sedimentary rock is formed when sediment collects at the bottom of a lake or sea.
Secondary sources - Secondary sources are texts, images or objects created using information gathered by others.
Common misconception
Pupils may think that fossils can be found anywhere on Earth and in any type of rock.
Use the lesson resources to explain how and why fossils are mainly found in sedimentary rock and the common locations these tend to be, such as cliffs, hillsides and quarries.
Content guidance
- Exploration of objects
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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