TABLE OF CONTENTS

Fossils Mini-Unit
The nomenclature cards found within this pack introduce the child to the following
terms:
• Fossils • Imprint Fossils
• Body Fossils • Coprolites
• Trace Fossils • Amber Inclusions
• Cast Fossils • Carbon Film Fossils
• Petrification • Silicified Fossils
• Mold Fossils

Contents
Pg. 2-3: Suggested Instructions for Use and Book and Online Suggestions
Pg. 4: Non-Fiction Question Stems
Pgs. 5-6: Let’s Dig into Fossils KWL Worksheet
Pgs. 7-12: Fossil Types 3-Part Cards (Photos)
Pgs. 13-15: Fossil Types 3-Part Cards (Photos) Control
Pgs. 16-26: Fossil Types Posters (Photos)
Pgs. 27-32: Fossil Types 3-Part Cards (Illustrations)
Pgs. 33-35: Fossil Types 3-Part Cards (Illustrations) Control
Pgs. 36-46: Fossil Types Posters (Illustrations)
Pgs. 47-53: Fossil Types Booklet (Cursive)
Pgs. 54-60: Fossil Types Booklet (Print)
Pgs. 61-63: Body and Trace Fossils Sort and Control
Pgs. 64-66: Fossil Facts!
Pgs. 67-71: Mold and Cast Fossils Reading Passage and Responses
Pgs. 72-73: “I Have... Who Has...?” Fossils Cards and Answer Key
Pgs. 74-82: Fossil Types Coloring Pages
Pgs. 83-88: Fossil Sequences and Controls
Pgs. 89-97: Fossils and Grammar: Symbols, Guides, and Sentence Strips
 SUGGESTED INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE
Fossils Mini-Unit
How to Use the Reading Passages
The reading passages and reading response pages are meant to extend your research and
inspire future learning. They can be used independently by students or as part of a close-
reading activity.

3-Part Card Nomenclature: 3-Part Cards provide students with both a visual representation
and definition of new nomenclature. When introducing new 3-Part Cards, begin by placing
the picture cards across the top of your work rug or table. Going one-by-one, match the
appropriate label to each image. Next, begin reading the definition cards one-by one. As
you read them, encourage the child to use clues from the text and image in front of them to
try and match the definition with the picture and label. Demonstrate how to use the controls
to check the work. When recording the work, students should include the definition and label
and are encouraged to create an illustration. 3-Part Cards can continue to be taken off the
shelf as a review material as necessary.

Book Study Suggestions: Book studies provide a wonderful introduction to new content. I’ve
included a list of non-fiction question stems that can be used if you wish to approach these
as interactive read-alouds.
My Book of Fossils: A fact-filled guide to prehistoric life by Dean Lomax - Ages 5-9
Learn about the world’s primeval past through its fascinating and wonderful world of
fossils. From glistening seashells and mammoth dinosaur teeth to delicate colorful
flora, uncover a magnitude of treasures left behind to better understand our primitive
past.
Dinosaur Lady: The Daring Discoveries of Mary Anning, the First Paleontologist
by Linda Skeers- Ages 3-8
A beautifully illustrated picture book biography of Mary Anning that will enlighten
children about the discovery of the dinosaurs and the importance of female scientists.
Fossils for Kids: A Junior Scientist's Guide to Dinosaur Bones, Ancient Animals, and
Prehistoric Life on Earth by Ashley Hall - Ages 6-8
Set off on an amazing adventure into the prehistoric past when dinosaurs roamed the
Earth. Fossils for Kids is filled with fascinating photographs and captivating facts that
will teach junior fossil hunters how fossils form, where they are found, and tips on how
to identify them.
Eyewitness Fossil by Paul David Taylor - Ages 9-12
Become an eyewitness to the natural treasures found in rocks in this picture-led
reference guide that will take you on a visual tour of all things fossils. Children will be
mesmerized by the bones, teeth, and plants from long ago that have all been turned
to rock.
Fossils Tell Stories by Yu-ri Kim - Ages 5-10
A great introduction to the interesting world of fossils with creative collage
illustrations.
 SUGGESTED INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE
Fossils Mini-Unit
Online Learning Suggestions
• Paleontology: The American Museum of Natural History
• National Geographic: How to go on a fossil hunt with kids
• What are Fossils? (YouTube Video)
• Fossils - Earth Science for Kids (YouTube Video)
• Fossils 101 (YouTube Video)
• Incredible Dinosaur Leg Fossil is Discovered! (YouTube Video)
• Dino Footprint Fossil Cookies Recipe

Resources for Purchase

• Fossilicious Fossil Sets and Booklets
Resources include Montessori-aligned curriculum extensions, fossil
collections that connect beautifully to the Timeline of Life, and incredibly
informative and child-friendly booklets.

*Shoppable links are affiliate links. and I earn from

qualifying purchases.
Non-Fiction Question Stems
These question stems can be used as part of interactive
read-alouds with a range of age levels.

• What connections can you make between this text and other
texts you have read?
• How are ___ & ___ alike and how are they different?
• What is the main idea of the section titled ______?
• How is ____ related to _____?
• What could be another appropriate title for this text and why?
• Who (action e.g. first landed on the moon)? Where does it tell
you that in the book?
• Where (do clown fish live)? Where does it tell you that in the
book?
• What is the main idea of the entire passage? What details tell
more about that idea?
• What is the main idea of just this paragraph? What details
support the main idea?
• What do you think the author wants the readers to know?
• What are the most important events/ideas/steps to
remember? Why?
• What does the word ______ mean? How did the other words
help you figure out the meaning?
• What information do you learn in the captions of this image?
• How do the images/diagrams help you understand the
words?
• Why does the author put a heading on the sections? How
does it help you?
 LET’S DIG INTO FOSSILS!

What do I know about fossils?

___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________

What do I want to know about fossils?

___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
 LET’S DIG INTO FOSSILS!

What have I learned about fossils?

___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
 fossils body fossils

These are the

preserved remains or This is one of the two
traces of ancient main categories of
plants and animals. fossils.
They form in rocks
over millions of years These fossils are the
and help us learn preserved remains or
about Earth's history. parts of ancient
There are two main plants and animals.
categories that these They include
remains fit into: body skeletons, carbon film
fossils and trace fossils, cast fossils,
fossils. and more.
 trace fossils cast fossils

These fossils are

This is one of the solid, three-
two main dimensional replicas
categories of fossils. of ancient organisms.
They are formed
These fossils are when minerals fill a
marks or signs left hollow space left by
by ancient animals, a decayed organism.
like footprints or
burrows. They are a type of
body fossil.
petrification mold fossils

This is a fossilization These fossils are

process where hollow impressions
organic material left in rock or
like wood turns into sediment when an
stone over time. organism decays or
Minerals replace dissolves. They leave
the original behind a negative
material, preserving print of its shape or
its shape as a fossil. structure.
This fossilized They are a type of
organic matter is a trace fossil.
type of body fossil.
imprint fossils coprolites

These fossils are

preserved These are remnants
impressions of an of fossilized feces, or
organism, like a poop, from ancient
footprint, leaf, or animals. They help
shell, left in sediment scientists learn about
or rock. They are a what these animals
special type of mold ate and how their
fossils and show the bodies worked.
shape or pattern of
the original object.
They are a type of
trace fossil.
They are a type of
trace fossil.
amber inclusions carbon film fossils

These fossils are thin,

dark outlines of
These are ancient
ancient plants or
organisms like
animals left on rock
insects or plant
surfaces. They form
pieces trapped and
when organisms
preserved in
decay, leaving a
hardened tree resin
carbon residue that
called amber.
preserves their
shapes.
They are a type of
body fossil.
They are a type of
body fossil.
silicified fossils

These fossils are

ancient plants or
animals preserved
in rock where silica,
a mineral, replaced
the original
material. This keeps
its shape and
details intact over
time.

They are a type of

body fossil.
Fossil Types Control - Photos
Fossil Types Control - Photos
Fossil Types Control - Photos
 fossils
These are the preserved remains or
traces of ancient plants and animals.
They form in rocks over millions of years
and help us learn about Earth's history.
There are two main categories that these
remains fit into: body fossils and trace
fossils.
 body fossils
This is one of the two main categories of
fossils.

These fossils are the preserved remains or

parts of ancient plants and animals. They
include skeletons, carbon film fossils, cast
fossils, and more.
 trace fossils
This is one of the two main categories of
fossils.

These fossils are marks or signs left by

ancient animals, like footprints or
burrows.
 cast fossils
These fossils are solid, three-dimensional
replicas of ancient organisms. They are
formed when minerals fill a hollow space
left by a decayed organism.

They are a type of body fossil.

 petrification
This is a fossilization process where organic
material like wood turns into stone over time.
Minerals replace the original material,
preserving its shape as a fossil.

This fossilized organic matter is a type of body

fossil.
 mold fossils
These fossils are hollow impressions left
in rock or sediment when an organism
decays or dissolves. They leave behind a
negative print of its shape or structure.

They are a type of trace fossil.

 imprint fossils
These fossils are preserved impressions
of an organism, like a footprint, leaf, or
shell, left in sediment or rock. They are a
special type of mold fossils and show the
shape or pattern of the original object.

They are a type of trace fossil.

 coprolites
These are remnants of fossilized feces, or
poop, from ancient animals. They help
scientists learn about what these animals
ate and how their bodies worked.

They are a type of trace fossil.

 amber inclusions
These are ancient organisms like insects
or plant pieces trapped and preserved in
hardened tree resin called amber.

They are a type of body fossil.

carbon film fossils
These fossils are thin, dark outlines of ancient
plants or animals left on rock surfaces. They
form when organisms decay, leaving a
carbon residue that preserves their shapes.

They are a type of body fossil.

 silicified fossils
These fossils are ancient plants or animals
preserved in rock where silica, a mineral,
replaced the original material. This keeps its
shape and details intact over time.

They are a type of body fossil.

 fossils body fossils

These are the

This is one of the two
preserved remains or
main categories of
traces of ancient
fossils.
plants and animals.
They form in rocks
These fossils are the
over millions of years
preserved remains or
and help us learn
parts of ancient
about Earth's history.
plants and animals.
There are two main
They include
categories that these
skeletons, carbon film
remains fit into: body
fossils, cast fossils,
fossils and trace
and more.
fossils.
 trace fossils cast fossils

These fossils are

This is one of the solid, three-
two main dimensional replicas
categories of fossils. of ancient organisms.
They are formed
These fossils are when minerals fill a
marks or signs left hollow space left by
by ancient animals, a decayed organism.
like footprints or
burrows. They are a type of
body fossil.
petrification mold fossils

This is a fossilization These fossils are

process where hollow impressions
organic material left in rock or
like wood turns into sediment when an
stone over time. organism decays or
Minerals replace dissolves. They leave
the original behind a negative
material, preserving print of its shape or
its shape as a fossil. structure.
This fossilized They are a type of
organic matter is a trace fossil.
type of body fossil.
imprint fossils coprolites

These fossils are

preserved impressions These are remnants
of an organism, like a of fossilized feces, or
footprint, leaf, or shell, poop, from ancient
left in sediment or animals. They help
rock. They are a scientists learn about
special type of mold what these animals
fossils and show the ate and how their
shape or pattern of bodies worked.
the original object.
They are a type of
They are a type of trace fossil.
trace fossil.
amber inclusions carbon film fossils

These fossils are thin,

dark outlines of
These are ancient
ancient plants or
organisms like
animals left on rock
insects or plant
surfaces. They form
pieces trapped and
when organisms
preserved in
decay, leaving a
hardened tree resin
carbon residue that
called amber.
preserves their
shapes.
They are a type of
body fossil.
They are a type of
body fossil.
silicified fossils

These fossils are

ancient plants or
animals preserved
in rock where silica,
a mineral, replaced
the original
material. This keeps
its shape and
details intact over
time.

They are a type of

body fossil.
Fossil Types Control - Illustrations
Fossil Types Control - Illustrations
Fossil Types Control - Illustrations
 fossils
These are the preserved remains or
traces of ancient plants and animals.
They form in rocks over millions of years
and help us learn about Earth's history.
There are two main categories that these
remains fit into: body fossils and trace
fossils.
 body fossils
This is one of the two main categories of
fossils.

These fossils are the preserved remains

or parts of ancient plants and animals.
They include skeletons, carbon film fossils,
cast fossils, and more.
 trace fossils
This is one of the two main categories of
fossils.

These fossils are marks or signs left by

ancient animals, like footprints or
burrows.
 cast fossils
These fossils are solid, three-dimensional
replicas of ancient organisms. They are
formed when minerals fill a hollow space
left by a decayed organism.

They are a type of body fossil.

 petrification
This is a fossilization process where organic
material like wood turns into stone over time.
Minerals replace the original material,
preserving its shape as a fossil.

This fossilized organic matter is a type of body

fossil.
 mold fossils
These fossils are hollow impressions left
in rock or sediment when an organism
decays or dissolves. They leave behind a
negative print of its shape or structure.

They are a type of trace fossil.

 imprint fossils
These fossils are preserved impressions
of an organism, like a footprint, leaf, or
shell, left in sediment or rock. They are a
special type of mold fossils and show the
shape or pattern of the original object.

They are a type of trace fossil.

 coprolites
These are remnants of fossilized feces, or
poop, from ancient animals. They help
scientists learn about what these animals
ate and how their bodies worked.

They are a type of trace fossil.

 amber inclusions
These are ancient organisms like insects
or plant pieces trapped and preserved in
hardened tree resin called amber.

They are a type of body fossil.

carbon film fossils
These fossils are thin, dark outlines of ancient
plants or animals left on rock surfaces. They
form when organisms decay, leaving a
carbon residue that preserves their shapes.

They are a type of body fossil.

 silicified fossils
These fossils are ancient plants or animals
preserved in rock where silica, a mineral,
replaced the original material. This keeps its
shape and details intact over time.

They are a type of body fossil.

 My
Fossils Booklet

Name: ____________________
fossils body fossils
trace fossils cast fossils
petrification mold fossils
imprint fossils coprolites
amber inclusions carbon film fossils
silicified fossils
 My
Fossils Booklet

Name: ____________________
fossils body fossils
trace fossils cast fossils
petrification mold fossils
imprint fossils coprolites
amber inclusions carbon film fossil
silicified fossils
 Body Fossils Trace Fossils

Cast Fossil of a Trilobite Petrified Tree Mold Fossil of an Ammonite

485 to 443 MYA Approx. 211 MYA 201 to 174 MYA

Imprint Fossil of a Triceratops Coprolites of a Dinosaur Amber Inclusion of an Insect

Approx. 68 MYA Approx. 70 MYA 43 to 35 MYA

Carbon Film Fossil of a Fish Imprint Fossil of an Acer Leaf Cast Fossil of a Crinoid
53 to 48 MYA 56 to 47 MYA Approx. 485 MYA

*MYA stands for Million Years Ago

Fossilized Skeleton of a Heterodontosaurus Cast Fossils of Brachiopods Silicified Fossil of a Coral
200 to 190 MYA 460 to 443 MYA 443 to 419 MYA

Carbon Film Fossil of a Fern Petrified Pinecone Mold Fossil of a Brachiopod

359 to 299 MYA Approx. 160 MYA 460 to 443 MYA

Imprint Fossil of an Australopithecus Amber Inclusion of a Frog Fossilized Skeleton of an Ankylosaur

4 to 2 MYA Approx. 145 MYA
Approx. 99 MYA

Fossilized Rodent Burrow Fossilized Dinosaur Footprints Imprint Fossil of a Seed Fern Frond
23 to 16 MYA 145 to 100 MYA 299 to 251 MYA
 Body and Trace Fossils
Sort Control

Body Fossils Trace Fossils

Fossil Facts!
These cards can be cut out and used to spark independent research.

Some fossils are tiny,

The word "fossil" like microscopic
comes from the shells called
Latin word fossilis, foraminifera, while
which means others are massive,
"dug up." like the bones of a
T-Rex!

Fossils are found all

Paleontologists are
over the world, from
scientists who study
mountains to
fossils to learn about
deserts to the
ancient animals and
bottom of the
ecosystems.
ocean.

Fossils aren't just

The oldest known
bones—they can be
fossils are about 3.5
footprints, eggs,
billion years old and
nests, and even
are tiny bacteria-
poop (called
like organisms.
coprolites)!
 Fossilization can
Paleontologists often
happen quickly under
use clues from living
the right conditions,
animals and plants to
such as in tar pits or
understand fossils
when an organism is
better, like comparing
buried by a sudden
dinosaur bones to
event like a volcanic
those of modern birds.
eruption.

Some fossils show

Fossils can be found in evidence of ancient
unexpected places, behaviors. Dinosaur
including in city footprints show us how
buildings made from they walked, and
ancient limestone or in nesting sites reveal how
the ice of glaciers. they cared for their
young.

Not all fossils are

Fossils can include millions of years old—
preserved soft some are relatively
tissues, such as skin recent, like the remains
or feathers. of mammoths from the
last Ice Age.
 The study of trace The Burgess Shale in
fossils, like burrows Canada is famous for
and footprints, is its exceptional
called ichnology. It preservation of soft-
helps us understand bodied organisms,
the behaviors of providing insights into
ancient organisms. ancient marine life.

Fossils can be used to

Fossils of ancient
understand past
shark teeth called
climates, such as
Megalodon teeth can
finding tropical plant
be as big as your
fossils in areas that
hand!
are now cold.

The largest dinosaur

fossil ever found is a
Fossils can be found
Sauropod called
on every continent,
Argentinosaurus,
even Antarctica!
estimated to be
about 100 feet long.
Mold and Cast Fossils
Their Formation and Connections
Fossils are like time capsules that hold clues about life
on Earth long ago. Among the many types of fossils,
two important ones are mold and cast fossils. Let's dive
into what makes them unique and how they help us
understand ancient life.

Mold fossils are formed when an

organism's body or part of it,
like a shell or bone, gets buried
in sediment. Over time, the
buried part can decay or
dissolve, leaving behind an
empty space or mold in the
shape of the organism. Mold
fossils show us the external
Mold Fossil of an Ammonite
structure of ancient organisms,
201 to 174 MYA
like their outlines or imprints.

On the other hand, cast fossils are

like 3D replicas of ancient
organisms. Picture pouring liquid
plaster into a mold to create a
statue—it takes the shape of the
mold. Similarly, in nature, if a
mold fossil gets filled with
minerals or other material, it
forms a cast fossil. Cast fossils
show us not just the outline but also Cast Fossil of a Trilobite
the texture and features of the 485 to 443 MYA

original organism.
Cast fossils and mold fossils are closely related. They are
part of the same fossilization process. The mold fossils
create the initial impression or template that is then filled
in with sediment, creating the cast fossils. Scientists often
study both types of fossils at the same time. By
investigating them together, researchers can reconstruct
ancient organisms more accurately and understand their
biology and environment in greater detail.

Mold Fossil of an Cast Fossil of an

Ammonite Ammonite

Both types of fossils are incredibly valuable for scientists.

Mold fossils help us understand the size and shape of
ancient plants and animals. For example, dinosaur
footprints in mud that turned into rock are a special type
of mold fossils. They tell us about the size and stride of
these massive creatures. Cast fossils, on the other hand,
reveal more intricate details. They can show us the
detailed texture of a leaf, the pattern on a shell, or even
internal structures. This gives us insights into the
appearance and adaptations of past life forms.

So, next time you hear about fossils or find one yourself,
remember that they come in various forms, each
offering unique glimpses into the wonders of our
planet's past. Whether it's a mold fossil preserving an
impression or a cast fossil revealing intricate details,
fossils are windows into ancient worlds just waiting to
be explored!
Mold and Cast Fossils
Reading Response Activity

1) What is a cast fossil? __________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________

2) List two different examples of cast fossils: __________________

____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
3) How are mold fossils formed? ______________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
4) What information can mold and cast fossils tell us about
prehistoric life? _________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
Mold and Cast Fossils
Reading Response Activity

6) How are mold and cast fossils related to each other?

____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
7) Draw your own illustration of cast and mold fossils below:
Mold and Cast Fossils
Conversation Starter Cards- These could be used in
place of the reading response written activity.

List two different

What is a cast
examples of cast
fossil? fossils.

What information
How are can mold and
mold fossils cast fossils tell us
formed? about
prehistoric life?

How are mold

and cast fossils
related to each
other?
 I Have... Who has...?
These cards can be used to review nomenclature after the
initial lesson and possible follow-up practice with a
larger group.

I have fossils.
I have body fossils.
Who has one of the two main
Who has fossils that are solid,
types of fossils that are the
three-dimensional replicas of
preserved remains or parts of
ancient organisms?
ancient plants and animals?

I have cast fossils. I have trace fossils.

Who has one of the two main Who has the fossilization
types of fossils that are marks or process where organic material
signs left by ancient animals, like like wood turns into stone over
footprints or burrows? time?

I have petrification. I have mold fossils.

Who has a special type of mold

Who has fossils that are hollow
fossil that is a preserved
impressions left in rock or
impression of an organism, like
sediment when an organism
a footprint, leaf, or shell, left in
decays or dissolves?
sediment or rock?

I have coprolites.
I have imprint fossils.
Who has the result of ancient
Who has the remnants of organisms like insects or plant
fossilized feces, or poop, from pieces that have been trapped
ancient animals? and preserved in hardened tree
resin called amber?
 I have carbon film fossils.
I have amber inclusions.
Who has fossils that are
Who has fossils that are thin,
ancient plants or animals
dark, carbon outlines of
preserved in rock where silica,
ancient plants or animals left
a mineral, replaced the
on rock surfaces?
original material?

I have silicified fossils.

Who has the preserved

remains or traces of ancient
plants and animals?

“I have... Who has...?” Answer Key

Fossil = the preserved remains or traces of ancient plants and animals.

Body Fossils = one of the two main types of fossils that are the preserved
remains or parts of ancient plants and animals.
Cast Fossils = fossils that are solid, three-dimensional replicas of ancient
organisms.
Trace Fossils = one of the two main types of fossils that are marks or
signs left by ancient animals, like footprints or burrows.
Petrification = the fossilization process where organic material like
wood turns into stone over time.
Mold Fossils = fossils that are hollow impressions left in rock or sediment
when an organism decays or dissolves.
Imprint Fossils = a special type of mold fossil that is a preserved
impression of an organism, like a footprint, leaf, or shell, left in sediment
or rock.
Coprolites = the remnants of fossilized feces, or poop, from ancient
animals.
Amber Inclusions= the result of ancient organisms like insects or plant
pieces that have been trapped and preserved in hardened tree resin
called amber.
Carbon Film Fossils = fossils that are thin, dark, carbon outlines of
ancient plants or animals left on rock surfaces.
Silicified Fossils = fossils that are ancient plants or animals preserved in
rock where silica, a mineral, replaced the original material.
Fossil Types
Coloring Pages
The following pages contain blackline masters of various
fossil types. They could be a great option for a creative
break in between lessons or as an activity to be done
alongside a fossil-themed read aloud!

List of Coloring Pages

Amber Inclusions
Petrification
Mold Fossils x 2
Carbon Film Fossils
Mold and Cast Fossils
Fossilized Skeleton
Cast Fossils
 amber inclusions
These are ancient organisms like insects or plant pieces trapped and
preserved in hardened tree resin called amber.

They are a type of body fossil.

 petrification
This is a fossilization process where organic material like wood turns
into stone over time. Minerals replace the original material,
preserving its shape as a fossil.

This fossilized organic matter is a type of body fossil.

 mold fossil
These fossils are hollow impressions left in rock or sediment when an
organism decays or dissolves. They leave behind a negative print of
its shape or structure.

They are a type of trace fossil.

 mold fossils
These fossils are hollow impressions left in rock or sediment when an organism
decays or dissolves. They leave behind a negative print of its shape or structure.

They are a type of trace fossil.

 carbon film fossils
These fossils are thin, dark outlines of ancient plants or animals left on rock surfaces.
They form when organisms decay, leaving a carbon residue that preserves their
shapes.

They are a type of body fossil.

 mold and cast fossils
Cast fossils and mold fossils are closely related. They are part of the same
fossilization process. The mold fossils create the initial impression or template that
is then filled in with sediment, creating the cast fossils.
 fossilized skeleton
A fossilized skeleton is the preserved remains of an ancient organism's bones. Over time, the bones
can turn into rock-like structures due to minerals replacing the original material. These fossils give us
clues about the size, shape, and structure of creatures that lived long ago.
 cast fossils
These fossils are solid, three-dimensional replicas of ancient organisms. They are
formed when minerals fill a hollow space left by a decayed organism.

They are a type of body fossil.

Fossilization of an Ammonite Cut out the illustrations and text and use them as a
sequencing work.

An Ammonite dies and Layers of sediment

settles at the bottom of build up and are A movement in the
Erosion wears away
the sea. It is covered pushed down to form Earth’s crust causes the
some of the rock to
by sediments. The soft a sedimentary rock. sedimentary rock
expose part of the
parts of its body The shell is replaced containing the fossil to
fossil.
decay, leaving the with minerals that be thrust upwards.
shell behind. seep into it.
 Fossilization of an Ammonite - Control

An Ammonite dies and Layers of sediment

settles at the bottom of build up and are A movement in the
Erosion wears away
the sea. It is covered pushed down to form Earth’s crust causes the
some of the rock to
by sediments. The soft a sedimentary rock. sedimentary rock
expose part of the
parts of its body The shell is replaced containing the fossil to
fossil.
decay, leaving the with minerals that be thrust upwards.
shell behind. seep into it.
Amber Inclusion of an Insect Cut out the illustrations and text and use them as a
sequencing work.

Insects are attracted to Millions of years of

When a tree is injured, Over a period of time,
the resin. When they fly pressure, heat, and
resin oozes out to fill the tree falls and is
or crawl onto the resin, lack of oxygen cause
the gaps in the bark. washed away in a
they become stuck and the resin to fossilize
This acts as a defense river. Several layers of
cannot escape. The into amber. The insects
response of the tree’s sediment collect and
resin covers the insect inside are perfectly
immune system. and eventually hardens.
are pushed down.
preserved.
 Amber Inclusion of an Insect - Control

Insects are attracted to Millions of years of

When a tree is injured, Over a period of time,
the resin. When they fly pressure, heat, and
resin oozes out to fill the tree falls and is
or crawl onto the resin, lack of oxygen cause
the gaps in the bark. washed away in a
they become stuck and the resin to fossilize
This acts as a defense river. Several layers of
cannot escape. The into amber. The insects
response of the tree’s sediment collect and
resin covers the insect inside are perfectly
immune system. and eventually hardens.
are pushed down.
preserved.
Imprint Fossil of a Dinosaur Cut out the illustrations and text and use them as a
sequencing work.

Layers of sediment fill

up the mold. As more
Over time, the mud Due to erosion such as
A dinosaur walks on layers of sediment
hardens, and the wind or water, the cast
soft mud and creates build up, they are
footprint creates a is removed and
and imprint of its feet. pushed down to
mold. exposes the imprint.
create a sedimentary
rock.
 Imprint Fossil of a Dinosaur- Control

Layers of sediment fill

up the mold. As more
Over time, the mud Due to erosion such as
A dinosaur walks on layers of sediment
hardens, and the wind or water, the cast
soft mud and creates build up, they are
footprint creates a is removed and
and imprint of its feet. pushed down to
mold. exposes the imprint.
create a sedimentary
rock.
 Fossils and Grammar
The following pages contain Montessori grammar symbols, fossil-
themed sentence and phrase strips, and grammar symbol guides to
help the child in creating their own fossil-themed sentences!

See the examples below!

an ancient fossil

Create a sentence using the grammar symbols sentence pattern

below then record your work in your language journal.

The golden resin solidified.

Work can be recorded in language

books or cultural books!
 Parts of Speech
These can be cut out and used alongside the grammar sentence strips
 an ancient fossil

the preserved trilobite

an incredible discovery

the petrified tree

The amber hardened.

Fossils tell stories.

Cast fossils show details.

Amber trapped tiny creatures.

The dinosaur left a footprint.

Paleontologists uncovered delicate fossils.

Fossils provide valuable information.

The mold fossil formed in sediment.

 The Triceratops skeleton is enormous!

Ammonites lived in ancient seas.

Mold fossils and cast fossils are connected.

Preserved footprints and burrows are trace fossils.

Some ancient ferns grew to towering heights

Crinoids were marine animals that looked like flowers.

Carboniferous fossils tell us about Earth’s ancient ecosystems.

Scientists study body fossils to understand a creature’s anatomy.

Fossilized dinosaur skeletons were discovered in the desert.

Coprolites tell us about the diets of ancient creatures.

Ancient crinoids are relatives of starfish and sea urchins.

Minerals replaced organic materials and petrified the ancient tree.

These can be cut out and used as guides to create fossil-themed
sentences.

Create a sentence using the grammar symbols sentence pattern

below then record your work in your language journal.

Create a sentence using the grammar symbols sentence pattern

below then record your work in your language journal.

Create a sentence using the grammar symbols sentence pattern

below then record your work in your language journal.

Create a sentence using the grammar symbols sentence pattern

below then record your work in your language journal.

Create a sentence using the grammar symbols sentence pattern

below then record your work in your language journal.
Create a sentence using the grammar symbols sentence pattern
below then record your work in your language journal.

Create a sentence using the grammar symbols sentence pattern

below then record your work in your language journal.

Create a sentence using the grammar symbols sentence pattern

below then record your work in your language journal.

Create a sentence using the grammar symbols sentence pattern

below then record your work in your language journal.

Create a sentence using the grammar symbols sentence pattern

below then record your work in your language journal.
Create a sentence using the grammar symbols sentence pattern
below then record your work in your language journal.

Create a sentence using the grammar symbols sentence pattern

below then record your work in your language journal.

Create a sentence using the grammar symbols sentence pattern

below then record your work in your language journal.

Create a sentence using the grammar symbols sentence pattern

below then record your work in your language journal.

Create a sentence using the grammar symbols sentence pattern

below then record your work in your language journal.
Create a sentence using the grammar symbols sentence pattern
below then record your work in your language journal.

Create a sentence using the grammar symbols sentence pattern

below then record your work in your language journal.

Create a sentence using the grammar symbols sentence pattern

below then record your work in your language journal.

Create a sentence using the grammar symbols sentence pattern

below then record your work in your language journal.

Create a sentence using the grammar symbols sentence pattern

below then record your work in your language journal.
 TERMS OF USE
Thank you for your purchase! By purchasing this resource, you are agreeing that the contents are
the property of The Modern Montessori Guide and licensed to you only for classroom / personal use
as a single user. I retain the copyright and reserve all rights to this product. Please remember to
leave feedback so you will earn TpT Credits, which may be applied to your future purchases.
FOLLOW ME ON TPT.

YOU MAY:
q Use free and purchased items for your own classroom students, or your own personal use.
q Reference this product in blog posts, at seminars, professional development, workshops, or other
such venues, ONLY if both credit is given to myself as the author, and a link back to my TpT
store is included in the presentation.
q Purchase licenses at a great discount for other teachers to use this resource.

YOU MAY NOT:

q Claim this work as your own, alter the files in any way, or remove copyright / watermarks.
q Sell the files or combine them into another unit for sale / free.
q Post this document for sale / free elsewhere on the internet (this includes Google Doc links on
blogs).
q Making copies of purchased items to share with others is strictly forbidden and is a violation of
the TOU / law.

Thank you for abiding by universally accepted codes of professional ethics while using this product.
If you encounter an issue with your file, notice an error, or are in any way experiencing a problem,
please contact me and I will be more than happy to help sort it out.
Thank you!

THANK YOU TO THESE CLIPART & FONT ARTISTS: