Note: You will need some fossil examples in order to complete this lab.

In this historical geology lab, student groups will do their best to identify up to 8 fossils using the web and some included links to great fossil identification websites and pdf files. Students will research the 5 types of fossils: casts and molds, permineralization and replacement, carbonization, unaltered/original remains, and trace fossils. They will also find real-world examples of each type of fossil. http://earthscience.xyz/GeologicHistory Students will discuss in groups how an organism becomes a fossil. After students identify the fossil type they will research the geologic time periods these fossils lived in, what type of environment would it have been, how would it have moved, what would it have eaten, what fossil type it is and find one picture of what the fossil might have looked like when it was alive. Finally, students will discuss in their teams, why paleontologists study fossils to begin with.

You will have access to the discussion page on my website, http://earthscience.xyz/GeologicHistory as well, which contains 7 YouTube videos that help bring this concept to life, as well as 3 high-quality images of each fossil type.

This has now been turned into a Google Doc that allows you to make a copy, share it with your students and even edit questions or add other fossil links that can help your students be successful with the project.

For other Earth Science activities, resources, labs, and content please visit EarthScience.xyz

You can also purchase the Non-Google Docs version. https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Earth-Science-Fossil-Identification-Lab-3562876