Earth and Space Sciences
Fossils
Year 8
Earth and Space sciences: Sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic rocks contain minerals and are formed by
processes that occur within Earth over a variety of timescales (ACSSU153)
Science as Human Endeavour
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Scientific models, theories, processes, applications (ACSHE157). Technological advances through science (ACSHE158)
Use of science in improving people’s lives, generating new careers, and meeting societal needs. (ACSHE161)
Use science to evaluate claims or predictions (ACSHE160)
Values of society influence research (ACSHE228)
Scientific Inquiry Processes
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Formulate questions or hypotheses to investigate. (ACSIS164)
Plan, select and use appropriate investigation methods e.g. field and laboratory work. (ACSIS165)
Select and use appropriate equipment, to systematically collect and record data (ACSIS166)
Analyse patterns and trends in processing data e.g. relationships between variables (ACSIS169)
Use knowledge of scientific concepts to draw conclusions that are consistent with evidence (ACSIS170)
Evaluate conclusions, including possible alternative explanations. (ACSIS171)
Critically analyse the validity of information in secondary sources and evaluate the approaches used to solve problems (ACSIS172)
 Communicate scientific ideas and information, including using appropriate scientific language. (ACSIS174)
Knowledge and Understandings
Learning Program
Fossils
One of the main goals of life is the
survival of the species. This can
be affected by food and
environment. However, even after
extinction we can learn things
about animals through fossil
records.
Fossils
Purpose: Students understand how fossils are made and their importance
to our understanding of the world around us today.
Fossils
Fossils are the preserved
evidence of organisms that were
once alive.
Most fossils form from the bones
and shells of animals. These hard
parts decay very slowly and so
have more chance of being
preserved.
Most fossils are found in rock
layers that were formed from
sediments under water.
Many of the fossils found
represent organisms which are no
longer around today suggesting
the environment/conditions have
changed over millions of years.
Scientists have inferred what
animals look like from fossils.
They do this by comparing the
shapes and dimensions of bones
with the structure of present-day
Inform – Motivation: Fossils are the preserved evidence of organisms
that once lived. They may be body parts or imprints. They are usually
found in sedimentary rocks. Most fossils are of the hard parts of bodies.
Fossils show that many species alive today are different from their
ancestors.
Look at a range of fossils. What are the most common fossils available?
Why are there very few fossils of plants/soft bodies of organisms?
The Facts of Life
Students learn how scientists gather information about extinct animals.
Investigate: Choose a dinosaur, research its diet/habitat. How do we
know what it looked like? What similarities/differences does it have with a
present day reptile?
The Great Fossil Find
Students go on an imaginary fossil hunt and attempt to reconstruct a
creature using the bones they find.
Apply: Activity p. 186 LSO 2 (How fossil moulds and casts are formed).
Or follow one of the links below:
http://www.reachoutmichigan.org/funexperiments/quick/fossilprint.html
http://www.creativekidsathome.com/activities/activity_26.html
http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/science_for_kids/111447
Evaluate – Generalise: Research theories about how the dinosaurs
became extinct and produce a report giving evidence to support the theory
that you believe is the most likely theory.
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This is an ERS plan and is NOT endorsed by ACARA. Green font is ACARA sourced materials. Go to: http://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au
* © Education Services Australia
animals.
L2011 Colossal fossils: the dig
Learning Object Education Services Australia The Le@rning Federation
Join a team of palaeontologists working on an Australian megafauna dig
site. Dig up and describe a megafauna jaw bone or skull. Use tools such as
a pick, rock hammer and scraping knife. Prepare the fossil for removal
using tools such a fine brush, glue and plaster. See how the features of the
bone are used to identify the physical features of the animal it came from.
This learning object is one in a series of two learning objects. *
http://www.scootle.edu.au/ec/objectLink.action?action=content&id=L2011
Assessment:
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Produce a fact sheet about a dinosaur
Model a fossil
Produce a report on theories about why dinosaurs became extinct with supporting evidence.
Standards:
http://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/Science/Curriculum/F-10?y=8&s=SU&s=HE&s=IS&layout=1
Teacher Resources IWB T
Sustainable Population Australia information that summarises the issue of overpopulation.
Living Things In Their Environment ecosystems, habitats, niches, and interactions among living things
Student Resources IWB S
Fossils & Dinosaurs how fossils are formed.
Uncovering The Facts studying dinosaur fossils
Fossilisation & Adaptation Activity
© Education Research Solutions T: 1300 669 810 E: contactus@educationresearch.com.au W: www.educationresearch.com.au
This is an ERS plan and is NOT endorsed by ACARA. Green font is ACARA sourced materials. Go to: http://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au
* © Education Services Australia
Lesson Planner
Lesson
Teacher Notes
Student Activities
Resources
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© Education Research Solutions T: 1300 669 810 E: contactus@educationresearch.com.au W: www.educationresearch.com.au
This is an ERS plan and is NOT endorsed by ACARA. Green font is ACARA sourced materials. Go to: http://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au
* © Education Services Australia