More about fossil formation
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can describe a range of different ways in which fossils can be formed.
Key learning points
- Palaeontology is the study of fossils.
- Some fossils are formed when tree resin hardens into amber, with living things trapped inside.
- Models can be used to show how fossils are formed in different ways.
- Some fossils are formed when sediment and minerals fill the hard parts of living things that have died.
Keywords
Palaeontology - Palaeontology is the study of fossils and how life on Earth has changed over millions of years.
Fossil - A fossil is the remains or imprint of living things that are sometimes preserved in rock.
Resin - Resin is a sticky substance which is produced by some trees.
Minerals - Minerals occur naturally and can be dug out of the ground.
Sediment - Sediment is solid material that is moved and deposited in a new location.
Common misconception
Pupils may believe that old discovered objects, like bits of pottery, coins and jewellery are fossils. They also may believe that the fossil is always the actual plant or animal itself.
Being clear that only things that have been alive may become fossils, and not all living things are fossilised.
Teacher tip
Make sure you have access to real fossils for this topic and not replica fossils or pictures, as children need to touch and feel them to understand them. Models are a key to this lesson as they demonstrate how fossils are formed which is important (cannot experience the fossil process first hand).
Equipment
See additional guidance.
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - equipment
Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1. tell us about living things that have lived over 10,000 years ago.
Q2.Which of these things may form a fossil?
Q3.Does every living thing that dies become a fossil over time?
Q4.Which of these things would rarely form a fossil because their bodies are too soft and they would decay too quickly?
Q5.Which of these things may form an imprint fossil?
Q6.Scientists can use models to show how imprint fossils are formed. Put these steps in the right order to create your own imprint fossil model.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Palaeontology is the study of .
Q2.Look at the amber fossil in the image. What natural material is this fossil made from?
Q3.What is the name for the type of scientist that studies fossils?
Q4.Some fossils are formed when and minerals fill the hard parts of living things that have died.
Q5.Which reasons explain why a model could be used in a lesson to learn about fossil formation?
Q6.Put the sentences in order to show how a fossil may be formed.
To help you plan your 3 science lesson on: More about fossil formation, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 3 science lesson on: More about fossil formation, 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 Rocks and soils unit, dive into the full primary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.