The National Science Education Standards Life Science Content Standard mentions that fossils indicate extinct species and contribute to an understanding of evolution and diversity. The Earth and Space Sciences Content Standard tells us they provide clues about past environments. But what is a fossil? How does it form? The processes can be complex. An understanding of fossil formation will enable accurate student conceptions of related science concepts including methods of science in geology, paleontology, and evolution.

Becoming a Fossil
This short video clip from NOVA is accompanied by an essay and discussion questions all describing the rare conditions under which fossils form and are found. Free registration is required.

What is a Fossil? How Do They Form?
This page provides a concise explanation and illustrations of Ammonites fossil formation via permineralization – when the pores of the plant or animal remains are impregnated by minerals. When this happens, the original shape of the object is not changed.

Fossil Formation: Digging in the Past
Permineralization, molds and casts, impressions and whole organism preservation are discussed and photographs of each are provided.

Fossilization
The information on this page is good, if you can bear the bright green background! It includes some vocabulary and how environmental conditions determine the fossil category. There are useful links at the bottom as well to teacher resources.

We Need Your Help

We want and need your ideas, suggestions, and observations. What would you like to know more about? What questions have your students asked? We invite you to share with us and other readers by posting your comments. Please check back often for our newest posts or download the RSS feed for this blog. You can also request email notification when new content is posted (see right navigation bar).

Let us know what you think and tell us how we can serve you better. We want your feedback on all of the NSDL Middle School Portal publications. Email us at msp@msteacher.org.