Dig Deep into the world of Fossils.
Learn about fossils with Bill Nye the Science Guy.
Key Concepts:
Words to Know:
Extinct: a species having no living members
Amber: fossil where the organism is trapped in resin and reserved whole.
Casts: fossils formed when water containing minerals leaks into mold. The minerals harden to form a copy of the original structure or organism.
Fossil: the remains of an animal and plant, or the record of its presence, preserved in the rocks of the Earth
Trace Fossils: evidence left by organisms such as burrows or footprints. Trace Fossils are not preserved parts of the organism
Matrix: a rock that surrounds the fossil
Impressions: prints or marks made when an organism's body has been compressed (flattened)
Extinct: a species having no living members
Amber: fossil where the organism is trapped in resin and reserved whole.
Casts: fossils formed when water containing minerals leaks into mold. The minerals harden to form a copy of the original structure or organism.
Fossil: the remains of an animal and plant, or the record of its presence, preserved in the rocks of the Earth
Trace Fossils: evidence left by organisms such as burrows or footprints. Trace Fossils are not preserved parts of the organism
Matrix: a rock that surrounds the fossil
Impressions: prints or marks made when an organism's body has been compressed (flattened)
Literature:
Children's Fiction Books:
Children's Nonfiction Books:
Teacher Resources:
Useful Links:
BBC Nature is an extremely informative website discussing the history of paleontology, types of fossils, how they are formed, and specific examples of once living things. The website provides about 30 educational videos that range from a specific fossil to where many have discovered fossils.
This is a teacher friendly website that provides several general lesson plans introducing and educating both teacher and students on fossils. The site provides information that discusses fossil findings relating to specific eras. It addresses specific questions such as what a fossil is, how they are formed, how to identify, and numerous examples of vertebrate and invertebrate fossils.
Teacher Planet provides general information about fossils but extremely helpful for being able to teach to future students. This website provides lesson plans, worksheets, activities, whole units, and other resources to spark ideas for teaching in one's own classroom.
Produced by the American Geological Institute in cooperation with the Paleontological Society, this website provides a factual overview of fossils throughout time. This resource is ideal for teachers looking for accurate information in an easy to read format, complete with diagrams and time charts.
Want more useful content knowledge?
Below, the NSTA button provides more books, articles, and free online modules for teachers.
Below, the NSTA button provides more books, articles, and free online modules for teachers.