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

Introduction to rocks

The appearance of rocks

Physical properties of rocks: hardness

Mohs' scale of hardness (non-statutory)

Physical properties of rocks: permeability

Everyday uses of rocks

Weathering and erosion of rocks

How fossils are formed

More about fossil formation

What soils are made from

Different types of soils (non-statutory)

Healthy soil (non-statutory Climate Change & Sustainability)

Soil permeability: plan (non-statutory)

Soil permeability: do and review (non-statutory)

How geologists work

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Historic or outdated representations of people that may portray inequality or injustice.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 is Mary {{}}, she made many important discoveries.

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.

Starter Quiz

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