Where fossils are found (non-statutory)
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can describe where fossils are likely to be found.
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.
Teacher tip
There are many online sources that list good locations for finding fossils in the UK, as well as key discoveries in different areas. Before the lesson you could carry out some research into nearby or familiar places to share with pupils during the lesson and really bring this learning to life.
Content guidance
Exploration of objects
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of these are living things?
Q2.Which of these animals are predators?
Q3.What is an imprint?
Q4.Fossils give us evidence about life in prehistoric times. What is evidence?
Q5.We can learn more about things by carrying out research using secondary sources. What are secondary sources?
Q6.Animals with a backbone and internal skeleton are called ...
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.We can find out about fossil discoveries by carrying out using secondary sources.
Q2.Which of these are common types of fossils?
Q3.What is a fossil?
Q4.Fossils are mainly found in a type of rock called rock.
Q5.Which of these locations would not be a good place to hunt for fossils?
Q6.Order the statements to show how fossils are formed in sedimentary rock.
To help you plan your 6 science lesson on: Where fossils are found (non-statutory), download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 6 science lesson on: Where fossils are found (non-statutory), download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 science lessons from the Evolution and inheritance unit, dive into the full primary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.