KS1 Topic: Carnival of the Animals Block I: Fossils
What is it like to be a fossil hunter? How do you identify fossils? How are fossils formed? Who are the
real fossil hunters? Discover the answers to these questions. Learn about Mary Anning, make fossils
and dance like dinosaurs! Carry out a fossil hunting expedition and create a museum to showcase
discoveries and creative outcomes from this block.
Block I: Fossils
[6 sessions]
Main outcome: Science
Other outcomes: History, Art, Dance and English
By the end of this block you will have
achieved the following outcomes:









Session 1: Science
Mystery Objects
This session will begin with children
examining mystery object `fossils´. They
will gather ideas, information and ask
questions about these ancient objects.
Children will then get the chance to find
real fossils in a class `dig´.
Session 2: Art
Spirals
Children will go on a nature walk
hunting for spirals. They will explore
and experiment with different artistic
mediums and produce a spiral pattern
and fossil drawing.
Session 3: Dance and Music
Dancing Dinosaurs
Children will Read Monster Stones: The
Story of a Dinosaur Fossil. They will
watch dinosaur clips, listen to the music
`fossils´ and use this as inspiration for a
dinosaur dance.
Pupils should be taught to use their observations and ideas to suggest
answers to questions, gathering and recording data to help in
answering questions.
Pupils should be able to develop a wide range of art and design
techniques in using colour, pattern, texture, line, shape, form and
space.
Pupils should perform dances using simple movement patterns.
Pupils should listen with concentration and understanding to a range
of high-quality live and recorded music.
Pupils should be taught to use a range of materials creatively to
design and make products.
Pupils should be taught about the lives of significant individuals in the
past who have contributed to national and international
achievements.
Pupils should be taught to participate in discussions, presentations,
performances, role play, improvisations and debates.
Pupils should be taught to ask relevant questions to extend
understanding and knowledge.
Give well-structured descriptions and explanations.
Children will:
 Use questioning to develop understanding about fossils
 Find out why fossils are important
Children will:
 Produce a spiral pattern
 Experiment with different art materials
Children will:
 Create a dinosaur dance
 Use Saint Saens’ ‘Fossils’ music as stimulus for dance
© Original resource copyright Hamilton Trust, who give permission for it to be adapted as wished by individual users.
The links to the websites and the contents of the web pages associated with such links specified on this list (hereafter collectively referred to as the ‘Links’)
have been checked by Hamilton Trust (being the operating name of the registered charity, William Rowan Hamilton Trust) and to the best of Hamilton
Trust’s knowledge, are correct and accurate at the time of publication. Notwithstanding the foregoing or any other terms and conditions on the Hamilton
Trust website, you acknowledge that Hamilton Trust has no control over such Links and indeed, the owners of such Links may have removed such Links,
changed such Links and/or contents associated with such Links. Therefore, it is your sole responsibility to verify any of the Links which you wish you use.
Hamilton Trust excludes all responsibility and liability for any loss or damage arising from the use of any Links.
KS1 Topic: Carnival of the Animals Block I: Fossils
Session 4: History and English
The Mother of Palaeontology
Children will create images of ancient
sea creatures using Saint Saen´s `fossils´
as inspiration. They will find out about
the life of Mary Anning and use roleplay to re-enact scenes from the story
Stone Girl Bone Girl
Session 5: Art
Making Fossils
Children will test their knowledge about
fossils, and then have a go at making
their own fossils using Plaster of Paris
or alginate.
Session 6: Science and English
Fossil Hunters – School Trip
Children will become real fossil hunters
by going on a class trip. They will use
buckets, magnifying glasses and
determination to see if they can
discover a fossil. Children will then
create a class museum to show case
their work and fossil discoveries.
Children will:
 Learn about the life of Mary Anning
 Understand what makes Mary Anning an important person
 Participate in role play
Children will:
 Create a fossil
 Experiment using fossil-making techniques
Children will:
 Ask and answer appropriate questions
 Talk about their experiences
Resources
Session 1
Provided:
You will need: Sand, sand trays, fossils, magnifying glasses, paint brushes.
Session 2
Provided: Observational drawing guide; Images of ammonites fossils and spirals in nature; Example
drawings of fossils.
You will need: Some objects featuring a spiral e.g. seashells, snail shells, pine cones, ferns, horns etc. A
variety of different drawing and painting materials;
Session 3
Provided: Monster Stones by Jacqui Bailey.
You will need: Access to the internet.
Session 4
Provided: Stone Girl Bone Girl by Laurence Anholt.
You will need: Resource sheet with facts about Mary Anning.
Session 5
Provided: Resource sheet with simple fossil making instructions.
You will need: Plasticine and a shell; Plaster of Paris or alginate.
© Original resource copyright Hamilton Trust, who give permission for it to be adapted as wished by individual users.
The links to the websites and the contents of the web pages associated with such links specified on this list (hereafter collectively referred to as the ‘Links’)
have been checked by Hamilton Trust (being the operating name of the registered charity, William Rowan Hamilton Trust) and to the best of Hamilton
Trust’s knowledge, are correct and accurate at the time of publication. Notwithstanding the foregoing or any other terms and conditions on the Hamilton
Trust website, you acknowledge that Hamilton Trust has no control over such Links and indeed, the owners of such Links may have removed such Links,
changed such Links and/or contents associated with such Links. Therefore, it is your sole responsibility to verify any of the Links which you wish you use.
Hamilton Trust excludes all responsibility and liability for any loss or damage arising from the use of any Links.
KS1 Topic: Carnival of the Animals Block I: Fossils
Session 6
Provided: Information sheet on how to create a classroom museum.
You will need: Magnifying glasses, buckets, camera, clipboards, paper, labels and pencils, suitable
clothing. A completed risk assessment and extra adult support.
© Original resource copyright Hamilton Trust, who give permission for it to be adapted as wished by individual users.
The links to the websites and the contents of the web pages associated with such links specified on this list (hereafter collectively referred to as the ‘Links’)
have been checked by Hamilton Trust (being the operating name of the registered charity, William Rowan Hamilton Trust) and to the best of Hamilton
Trust’s knowledge, are correct and accurate at the time of publication. Notwithstanding the foregoing or any other terms and conditions on the Hamilton
Trust website, you acknowledge that Hamilton Trust has no control over such Links and indeed, the owners of such Links may have removed such Links,
changed such Links and/or contents associated with such Links. Therefore, it is your sole responsibility to verify any of the Links which you wish you use.
Hamilton Trust excludes all responsibility and liability for any loss or damage arising from the use of any Links.