Module 1, Activity IV: Fossil Formation

Essential Questions:

1. How, when and where do fossils form?
2. How are fossils discovered and interpreted by humans?

Engage:

1. Have you ever seen any fossils?
2. Where did you see them?
3. What organisms were they from?

Explore:

1. Think, pair, share with your class on answers to the above questions before moving on.

Explain A:

1. Use your textbook or other resources to review the types of fossils and how they form as instructed by your teacher.

Explain B:

View Fossil Formation video clip.

Elaborate:

1. List some organisms that people find fossils of.
2. Are there any differences in the way various organisms fossilize? Explain your answers. Think, pair, and share.

Evaluation:

1. Do all organisms fossilize?
2. How common or rare is the fossilization of any organism?
3. What conditions are necessary for fossilization to occur?
4. How do humans eventually find fossils?