Fossils Worksheet Packet

Day 1 – Fossils and How They Form

Reading Passage: How Fossils Form

Fossils are the preserved remains or traces of ancient life. Fossilization is rare because specific conditions must be met. Most organisms decay after death, but if they are quickly buried by sediment, they may become preserved. Over time, minerals replace the organic material, creating a rock-like replica. Fossils provide important evidence of life from millions of years ago.

Types of Fossils:
– Permineralization: Minerals fill spaces in bones or wood, creating stone-like fossils.
– Molds and Casts: Impressions left in rock (mold), later filled with minerals (cast).
– Amber Fossils: Organisms trapped in tree resin that hardens into amber.
– Trace Fossils: Evidence of activity, such as footprints, burrows, or feces.

Activity 1: Vocabulary Matching

Match the fossil type with its definition:
1. ___ Trace Fossil   a. An impression that is later filled in by minerals
2. ___ Amber Fossil   b. Footprints or burrows left behind
3. ___ Cast Fossil    c. Minerals fill spaces in bone or wood
4. ___ Permineralization   d. Insects trapped in tree resin

Activity 2: Concept Map

In the circle below, write ‘Fossils.’ Around it, add branches for at least four fossil types and explain how each forms.

[Blank circle with space for branches]

Day 2 – Fossils as Evidence of Earth’s History

Station Investigation

Rotate through the stations and record your observations.

Station 1: Leaf Fossils – What does the shape of the leaf suggest about past climate?

Station 2: Trilobite Fossil – What type of environment did trilobites live in?

Station 3: Horse Fossils (Evolution) – How have horse teeth and legs changed over time?

Station 4: Fossil Fish in Desert Rock – What does this tell us about how the environment has changed?

Fossil Timeline Activity

Place the following fossil cards in order from oldest to youngest. Draw them in the boxes below:
– Bacteria Fossil
– Trilobite Fossil
– Dinosaur Fossil
– Mammoth Fossil

[4 Blank boxes labeled 1–4]

Reflection Question

How can fossils provide evidence for evolution? Write 3–4 sentences.

Day 3 – Fossil Dig Simulation

Data Collection Table

Group Reconstruction

[Blank box for drawing]

Fossil Record Limitations

1. Why are fossils considered rare?
2. Why is the fossil record incomplete?
3. How can scientists still use fossils to learn about Earth’s past despite gaps?

Quiz – Day 3 Evaluation

Multiple Choice:
1. Which type of fossil shows evidence of activity, like footprints?
   a) Cast  b) Trace  c) Amber  d) Mold

2. A fish fossil is found in a desert region. What does this tell scientists?
   a) Deserts always had fish
   b) The environment changed over time
   c) Fish can survive without water
   d) Fossils can form anywhere

Short Answer: Why are fossils important for understanding Earth’s history and evolution?

Homework / Final Assignment

Create a one-page illustrated summary titled: ‘Fossils: Clues to Earth’s Past.’
Include:
– A definition of fossils
– At least 3 fossil types with drawings
– One example of how fossils show environmental change
– One example of how fossils support evolution