Curated OER
Study of Fossils
Fifth graders dig for fossils. In this fossil lesson, 5th graders read about the oldest found fossils and discuss the process of fossilization. They dig for their own fossils in a fossil box made of several dirt layers.
American Geosciences Institute
American Geosciences Institute: Fossils
Seven hands-on lessons module where students learn about fossils. These inquiry-based investigations explore how fossils form, properties of fossils, comparing fossils, how they show the age of the Earth, and what paleontologists do.
University of California
Ucmp: Getting Into the Fossil Record
A learning module where students tour the fossil record to learn what fossils are, how organisms become fossils, the factors that promote fossilization, how paleontologists find fossils, and why some organisms cannot be fossilized....
University of Florida
Fmnh: Vertebrate Paleontology
Has a large group of vertebrate fossil pictures, a guide on preparing fossils, and much more.
Untamed Science
Untamed Science: Biology: Evolution: How to Become a Fossil
Learn about what a fossil is, the different types that scientists use for study, and processes that form them. [2:57]
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: Fossilized Dinosaur Bones
This still collage produced for Teachers' Domain features a variety of images of fossilized dinosaur bones, which provide evidence for the existence of these fascinating reptiles.
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: How a Dinosaur Became a Fossil
This interactive resource adapted from the Museum of Paleontology at the University of California, Berkeley shows how a dinosaur can be buried under sediment after it dies, become a fossil, and then become exposed and discovered by...
Indiana University
Ensi: The Great Fossil Find Lesson Plan
Students hear a story as they "find" bones that you have put in an envelope for them. Their job is to begin assembling the bones as best they can. The students will invariably come up with different configurations--just like scientists...
BBC
Bbc: Conditions for Fossil Formation
This interactive animation allows you to try different areas to see how suitable they are for fossil formation.
TED Talks
Ted: Ted Ed: How to Fossilize Yourself
Phoebe A. Cohen details the steps your body must take to find future fame as a fossil. [5:30]
University of Florida
U. Florida Museum: Fossil Horse Cyber Museum
An interesting site about prehistoric horses. Has a large gallery of fossilized horse pictures as well as an area explaining how a horse becomes fossilized.
University of California
University of California Museum of Paleontology: Fossil Evidence
Understanding Evolution provides evidence for evolution using fossils. There are also links to lesson plans.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Earth Science: Types of Fossilization
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] Five methods that create fossils.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Earth Science: How Fossilization Creates Fossils
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] Describes the conditions necessary for fossilization.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Third Grade Science: Earth Science: Fossils of Plants and Animals
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] Explains what fossils are, describes how they form, and discusses what scientists can learn from fossils.
University of Florida
Florida Museum of Natural History: Make a Fossil
This activity demonstrates the process of fossilization by making mold and cast fossils.
Other
Bio Web Evolution: Homepage
This site from BioWeb Evolution was originally created as a ThinkQuest entry, and it has some good basic information about evolution. This page is on fossils and geologic time.
Sophia Learning
Sophia: Fossils: Lesson 2
This lesson provides a timeline of fossils while also discussing the different types, locations, and geology of various fossils. It is 2 of 6 in the series titled "Fossils."
Sophia Learning
Sophia: Fossils: Lesson 4
This lesson provides a timeline of fossils while also discussing the different types, locations, and geology of various fossils. It is 4 of 6 in the series titled "Fossils."
ClassFlow
Class Flow: Life & Geologic Time
[Free Registration/Login Required] This Flipchart accompanies chapter 14 in the Glencoe Earth Science text. The flipchart contains pictures that help students learn about Geologic time: Paleozoic, Mesozoic, Cenozoic and explains...
Other
Strange Science: Palenotology Timeline
A large timeline containing major events in the history of paleontology and biology.
Utah Education Network
Uen: Fossils Moldy Oldies
A good introduction to different types of fossils and how they form. There are also directions for making three different models of fossils.