A fossil is the bones or remains of living things that are sometimes preserved in rocks.

A palaeontologist is a scientist who studies fossils and how life on Earth has changed over millions of years.

Discovered is when something has been found, especially if this is for the first time.

Evidence is information which helps us to prove if something is true or not.

Mary Anning (non-statutory)

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

Discriminatory behaviour or images, whether on the grounds of race, gender, disability, religion or belief or sexual orientation, or otherwise.

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Historic or outdated representations of people that may portray inequality or injustice.

This photograph shows a statue of Mary {{}}, erected because she made many important discoveries.

What type of scientists was Mary Anning? 

Which statement about Mary Anning is true?


Because she didn't know anything about fossils.

What are some or the reasons that male scientists often did not credit Mary Anning's discoveries in their scientific papers?

Mary's fossil discoveries led to an increase in public interest in geology and palaeontology during her lifetime. Where in London can people see her discoveries now? 

There are lots of fossils waiting to be found.

We need to wait another 10, 000 years for more fossils to be found.

Which statement is true about fossil hunting today?

Palaeontology is the study of {{}} and how life on Earth has changed over millions of years.


Fossils are the remains or imprints of ...

How long does it take a fossil to form? At least ...

All living things form a fossil when they die.

Living things do not form fossils when they die. 

Only a few living things form fossils when they die depending on the conditions.

Do all living things form a fossil when they die? 

Using _________ in science is helpful as it can help us to understand how fossils have been formed. We cannot experience this for ourselves as it takes too long. 

 a living thing is trapped in sticky tree resin that hardens.

a living thing leaves its shape or features in soft sediment.

Match the type of fossil to its description.

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Adult supervision recommended

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

Mary Anning (non-statutory)

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

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