Science·Dinosaurs & Paleontology·conceptual
How Fossils Form
Explain in simple terms how fossils form: an organism dies and is quickly buried in sediment; over millions of years minerals replace the remains and the sediment turns to rock, preserving the shape
Suggested ages 7–9
Learning journey
Your child is becoming a young paleontologist — learning how fossils form, what they tell us about ancient life, and discovering fascinating facts about dinosaurs and the scientists who study them.
Evidence of understanding
- Describe the basic sequence: organism dies, buried in sediment, minerals replace remains over time
- Explain why fossilisation is rare — most organisms decompose before being buried
- Use the words 'sediment', 'minerals', and 'rock' correctly when explaining
Assessment prompt
If How Fossils Form made a salt-dough fossil at school, could they explain how real fossils form underground over millions of years?
Standards alignment
No external standards are linked to this topic.