Science·Earth's Systems·conceptual
How fossils form
Describe in simple terms how fossils are formed when things that have lived are trapped within rock over millions of years
Suggested ages 7–8
Learning journey
Your child is learning about Earth's structure — exploring different types of rocks and soil, understanding where water is found on our planet, and discovering how land shapes change over time.
Evidence of understanding
- Describe the basic process: organism dies, gets buried in mud/sand, layers build up, material turns to rock over millions of years
- Explain that the organism's shape is preserved as a fossil within the rock
- Give examples of common fossils (shells, bones, leaf imprints, footprints)
Assessment prompt
Can How fossils form explain how a shell or bone from an ancient creature ended up preserved inside a rock?
Standards alignment
Y3.Sci.R.2GB · uk-nc-2013
Fossil formation
The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document · Key Stage 2