Fossils: Clues to Earth's Past
Students will explore how fossils provide evidence of past life and changes in Earth's environments over long periods.
Key Questions
- Explain how fossils are formed and what they tell us about ancient life.
- Compare different types of fossils and the information they provide.
- Predict what kind of environment existed based on the fossils found in an area.
Ontario Curriculum Expectations
Suggested Methodologies
Ready to teach this topic?
Generate a complete, classroom-ready active learning mission in seconds.
Planning templates for Science
5E Model
The 5E Model structures lessons through five phases (Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate), guiding students from curiosity to deep understanding through inquiry-based learning.
unit plannerThematic Unit
Organize a multi-week unit around a central theme or essential question that cuts across topics, texts, and disciplines, helping students see connections and build deeper understanding.
rubricSingle-Point Rubric
Build a single-point rubric that defines only the "meets standard" level, leaving space for teachers to document what exceeded and what fell short. Simple to create, easy for students to understand.
More in Earth's Landforms and Changes
Identifying Landforms
Students will identify and describe various landforms such as mountains, valleys, plains, and canyons using maps and models.
2 methodologies
Water Erosion
Students will investigate how moving water (rivers, rain, waves) causes erosion and shapes landforms over time.
2 methodologies
Wind and Ice Weathering
Students will explore how wind and ice contribute to the weathering of rocks and the formation of new landforms.
2 methodologies
Preventing Erosion
Students will investigate natural and human-made methods to prevent or reduce erosion in different environments.
2 methodologies
Volcanic Eruptions
Students will learn about the causes and effects of volcanic eruptions, including the formation of new land.
2 methodologies