Fossils as Evidence of Past Life
Free to teach as-is — the teacher guide, student handout, and slides are included.
Free — we'll email you an access link. Google Docs format.
Objective
I can describe how fossils provide evidence of past life and environments.
Part 1 of 4
Warm-up video
Miacademy & MiaPrep Learning Channel · 9:24Vetted channel
We don't generate video — this one is by Miacademy & MiaPrep Learning Channel on YouTube. The practice questions and exit ticket below were drafted by AI for this objective, and every question is editable in the teacher guide.
Part 2 of 4
Key concepts
3 concepts
- 1
Fossils are the preserved evidence of living things from long ago and can be formed through permineralization or by leaving an impression in rock.
- 2
Body fossils are fossilized parts of ancient living things, while trace fossils show the activities of organisms from long ago, such as footprints or nests.
- 3
Fossils are invaluable to Earth scientists because they offer a glimpse into our planet's history, revealing information about past climates, crustal shifts, and major geologic events.
Part 3 of 4
Practice
8 questions
What is the main difference between a body fossil and a trace fossil?
Describe the process of permineralization in fossil formation.
Part 4 of 4
Exit ticket
Quick comprehension check
“Explain how finding a fossil of a sea creature in a desert could tell us about the past environment of that area.”
Sample answer included in the free materials
Get the materials
Teacher guide, student handout, and slides — free, in Google Docs format
Teacher Guide
Complete lesson plan with answer keys and alternate activities
Student Handout
Printable worksheet
Slides
Ready to present
We'll ask for your email to send your access link — nothing else.
Teaching a group at a different level?
Where are your students right now? We'll rebuild this lesson to match — including the teacher guide, student handout, and slides, saved to your Google Drive.
Adapt This Lesson
