Fossils
Lesson #4: Fossil Observations
Time Frame: 1 session of 30 minutes (or more)
Learning Standards:
Science
Life Science: Evolution and Biodiversity
1) Recognize that fossils provide us with information about living things that
inhabited the earth years ago.
Skills of Inquiry
 Ask questions about objects, organisms, and events in the environment.
 Tell about why and what would happen if?
 Name and use simple equipment and tools (e.g., rulers, meter sticks,
thermometers, hand lenses, and balances) to gather data and extend the
senses.
 Record observations and data with pictures, numbers, or written statements.
 Discuss observations with others.
Student will be able to:
1) Make observations about fossils, including measurements and weights.
Anticipatory Set: Tell the students that today they will learn more about fossils.
Ask the students to brainstorm different tools they might use to observe the
fossils. Discuss as a class.
Activity:
1) Tell the students that today they will make careful observations of different
types of fossils using tools that scientists use. Place the tools on each
table (magnifying glasses, rulers (with centimeters), and balances) and
review the proper use for each tool as necessary.
2) Working in pairs (or larger groups), tell the students that they will make
and record observations about different types of fossils. Pass out the
fossil observation student worksheet and explain how to complete the
chart. Then, place 6 fossils on each table and assist groups as necessary
as they observe the fossils (each group should only observe one fossil at
a time). Show the students that each fossil is numbered and write the
numbers on the board with the corresponding name of the fossil (so the
students can put this information in their chart).
3) Instructors should ask questions about the different fossils and provide
information about the different fossils as necessary (all of the fossils are
numbered and the attached sheet has their names and other information).
4) Groups may make as many observations of different fossils as time allows
(activity may run over 2 sessions). At the end of the session groups may
share their favorite fossil and explain what they discovered.
5) Ask the students about their fossil observations. How were the fossils
different? Do the fossils show different types of plants and animals? Are
these plants and animals still alive today?
Closure: Discuss the following ideas and questions with the students. What are
fossils? What can fossils tell us about how the earth used to be? What kind of
tools do scientists use to examine fossils? Did these tools help you make better
observations about the fossils? How did these fossils form? Did they all form in
the same way? Why or why not?
Assessment: Participation in class discussions and activities (student
worksheet)
Resources and Materials: Boxes of fossils labeled 2-4, rulers, magnifying
glasses, balances, extra weights, fossil observation student worksheet