C Curriculum Explorer
Science·Dinosaurs & Paleontology·conceptual

Fossils & Palaeontologists

Understand that fossils are the remains of ancient living things preserved in rock, and that scientists called palaeontologists study fossils to learn about dinosaurs

Suggested ages 5–7

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Learning journey

Your child is exploring the fascinating world of dinosaurs — learning about different species, understanding what fossils tell us about these ancient creatures, and discovering how scientists study life from long ago.

Evidence of understanding

  • Describe a fossil as the remains of a living thing preserved in rock
  • Name the job of a palaeontologist as someone who studies fossils
  • Identify examples of fossils: bones, teeth, footprints in rock

Assessment prompt

If Fossils & Palaeontologists found a fossil-shaped rock on a beach or at a museum, could they explain what a fossil is and who studies them?

Standards alignment

No external standards are linked to this topic.