How fossils are formed

Overview

Using this Resource

Connecting to the Curriculum

Marking Student Responses

Further Resources

This task is about how fossils are formed over time.

Question 1Change answer

Here are four diagrams showing how a fossil of a lizard might have formed over many many years.

Use the diagrams and your own knowledge to write an explanation of how a fossil is formed.

Here are four diagrams showing how a fossil of a lizard might have formed over many many years.

Use the diagrams and your own knowledge to write an explanation of how a fossil is formed.

Task administration:

This task can be completed with pencil and paper or online.

Level:

Curriculum info:

Keywords:

Description of task:

Students view four sequential diagrams on fossilisation, and then write explanations about this process using the diagrams and their own knowledge.

Curriculum Links:

Science capabilities

The capabilities focus is brought about by the conversations you have and the questions you ask.

Capability: Interpret representations

This resource provides opportunities to discuss how layers of sediment form rocks and how uplift exposes fossils from erosion and weathering.

Science capabilities:

Making Better Sense:

Answers/responses:

	Y4 (04/2001)
Animal dies and falls to bottom of lake/pond etc. The dead animal is buried (by silt/sediments). Sediments are turned to rock over millions of years. Either lake dries up or there is uplifting of rocks. Fossil becomes exposed because of erosion.	moderate moderate very difficult difficult difficult