Fossils Learning Activity

Visit the Oz Fossils Page, and it's activities, including a fossil digging, and several puzzles

1. What are fossils? What is the science of studying fossils called?

2. Why study fossils?

2. What is fossilization?

3. What are the two main classifications of fossils?

4. What are the two main ways they are formed?

5. Why is accessibility to the fossil important for it's study?

6. What is the difference between a microfossil? A macrofossil?

7. Describe these general types of fossils:

a. pseudofossil--

b. modern fossil--

c. fake fossil--

8. What is fossil morphology?

9. Make a table entitled Fossil Morphology Considerations including two columns including: Fossil Habitats & Fossil Feeding Methods

Fossil Morphology Considerations

Fossil Habitats	Fossil Feeding Methods

10. How does a plant or animal become a fossil? The process involves Preservation. Compile a description of the preservation process that forms fossils. Include in your description 1.) The difference between "soft" part preservation such as a jelly fish, and 2.) "Hard" parts preservation. 3.)What mediums are involved in fossil preservation? You can use the table to record your answers:

Preservation of Organisms through Fossilization (the Process)

a. What natural factors must occur for any organism to be fossilized "in whole?"-- (in one piece)

b. What era do the fossilized organisms that we find come from?

c. What mediums are fossils buried?

d. What is an exceptional example of fast and complete "preservation?"

11. Make a list of eight equipment items you would need to go fossil hunting.

12. Name the six basic kinds of fossils.

13. Describe how you identify the fossils you might find?

14. Describe how you could store and display your fossils.

15. Describe how you should clean and mend your fossils.

16. Describe the Fossil Hunters Code for successful and safe collecting.