Lesson Planning
Upper Key Stage 2 Dinosaurs and Fossils - NEW LOOK
Fossils and Rocks - NEW LOOK
Be a palaeontologist! Find out how fossils are made and make your own. Understand REALLY BIG numbers in the context of the timeline of the Earth. Research the layers of the Earth and learn about the three main epochs of fossils. Tour your school sharing your knowledge with other children.
Session 1 Fossils and rocks
Objectives
Science
- To recognise that fossils provide information about living things that inhabited the Earth millions of years ago.
- To understand that most fossils are not the bones or shells of dead creatures but mineral deposits left behind – that’s why Jurassic Park had to use an insect preserved in amber and not fossilised bones!
Enquiry question
What is a fossil? How are they formed?
Outcomes
Children will:
- Have discussed, with understanding, terms associated with the topic such as archaeology and palaeontology as well as cast and mould fossils.
- Have understood how fossils are formed and made our own.
- Be able to explain the process of fossilisation in a variety of depth using appropriate topic vocabulary.
Provided Resources
You Will Also Need
If possible, a collection of fossils or bones for the class to look at.
For making Plaster of Paris fossils: suitable pots – yogurt pots or similar; clay; collection of small shells; fibrous leaves; small bones; watercolour paints.
For making cast fossils: newspaper; sticky tape; Modroc; warm water.
For making mould fossils: air-drying clay; toy dinosaurs/plastic bones; shells; leaves; sweets in the shape of worms, animals, etc.
For making amber fossils: cheap epoxy resin; yellow food colouring; a small heat-proof mould; something to trap inside the fossil; something to protect the table; warm, soapy water to hand.
Weblinks
How do dinosaur fossils form? Natural History Museum
Oxford University Museum of Natural History fossil information
How to make a fossil with plaster of Paris
Session 2 Really BIG numbers
Objectives
Science
- To read and understand really BIG numbers.
- To create a visual representation of BIG numbers.
- To understand and use exponents for ‘10 to the power of…’
- To measure accurately using scales.
Enquiry question
How big is a BILLION?
Outcomes
Children will:
- Understand place value in numbers up to and beyond a billion.
- Use everyday items to visually represents BIG numbers.
- Begin to understand the use of ‘exponents’ to represent BIG numbers.
- Measure carefully using measuring scales.
Lesson Planning
Provided Resources
You Will Also Need
Rice (25kg bag if possible)
Ziploc bags for rice
Measuring scales
Calculators
Weblink
Astrogeekz video – Timeline of the Earth
Session 3 Fossils and the timeline
Objectives
Science
- To recognise that fossils provide information about living things that inhabited the Earth millions of years ago.
- To understand different categories of fossils and understand some key palaeontological terms.
- To create questions and answers based on a specific topic, era or subject.
Enquiry question
How do the Earth’s layers differ and what do they tell us about the past?
Outcomes
Children will:
- Understand the Earth has different layers and show what fossils might be found in them.
- Discuss, with understanding, terms such as era, epoch, Palaeozoic, Mesozoic and Cenozoic.
- Use what we have learned to create a quiz.
Lesson Planning
Provided Resources
You Will Also Need
Non-fiction books or internet access
Weblinks
National Geographic infographic
Fossil Rocks Anthem – song and animation
Prehistoric Planet ‘Three layer cake’ image
Music from the TV show ‘Who Wants to be a Millionaire’ to add tension for playing the game!
Session 4 Visit to a Natural History Museum
Objectives
Science
- Recognise that fossils provide information about living things that inhabited the Earth millions of years ago.
Enquiry question
What can we find out about fossils from visiting a museum?
Outcomes
Children will:
- Experience fossils at first hand and make close observations.
- Understand more about fossils from the information offered by the museum.
- Study the texture and look of the fossils, by making careful, labelled drawings.
Lesson Planning
Provided Resources
You Will Also Need
Sketch books and pencils
Notebooks
Camera
Risk assessments for visit
Weblinks
List of Natural History Museums in the UK (32 in England, 5 in Scotland and 1 in Wales)
Some examples to consider in a risk assessment (trip risk assessments should be written in accordance with your own school’s format and guidance)
N.B. If you are not able to go on a visit you could explore the Natural History Museum London and the Natural History Museum Oxford through their virtual tours.
Session 5 Palaeontologists on tour
Objectives
Science
- To recognise that fossils provide information about living things that inhabited the Earth millions of years ago.
- To consolidate learning about fossils by presenting information in an engaging and clear way.
- To participate in presentations and performances.
- To gain, maintain and monitor the interest of the listener.
Enquiry question
How can we present what we have learnt in an entertaining, informative and memorable way?
Outcomes
Children will:
- Have discussed different ways in which to create presentations.
- Have created presentations for specific audiences.
- Have articulated and shared our knowledge about a specialist subject.
Lesson Planning
Provided Resources
You Will Also Need
Weblinks
Fossil Rocks Anthem song and animation.