How fossils are formed
I can describe in simple terms how fossils are formed.
How fossils are formed
I can describe in simple terms how fossils are formed.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Fossils tell us about things that lived over 10,000 years ago.
- Fossils can be formed from different plants and animals.
- Not every living thing that dies becomes a fossil.
- Some fossils are formed by an imprint of parts of living things, like bones, feathers, shells or leaves.
- Models can be used to show how fossils are formed in different ways.
Common misconception
Fossils are pieces of dead animals and plants and children often think that only dinosaurs make fossils.
By modelling and discussing fossil formation in various ways, children will understand how fossils are formed.
Keywords
Fossil - A fossil is the remains or imprint of living things that are sometimes preserved in rock.
decay - Living things decay when they die, meaning they gradually break down and rot away.
Sediment - Sediment is a solid material that can be moved and deposited in a new location.
Pressure - Pressure is a force pressing on an area.
Imprint - An imprint is a mark on a surface that has occurred by pressing something into it.
Equipment
Selection of real fossils, clay (or soft dough), objects such as leaves, shells, small plastic animals to press into the clay.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
- Exploration of objects
Supervision
Adult supervision required
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).
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