Fossil Match

Learning Objectives

Students will:

• Define fossil.
• Identify a fossil.
• Make model fossil prints in clay.
• Match model prints with the objects that made the print.
• Discuss ideas and observations about the activity.

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Materials

For each group:

• Modeling clay
• Two or three rolling pins or cylindrical wooden blocks
• An assortment of objects that can be pressed into clay, such as plastic dinosaurs, leaves, marbles, Legos, dolls, feathers, pipe cleaners, puffballs, and paper clips

For the whole group:

• Pictures of fossils or device to display images for the whole group
• Sample model print of a fossil

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Worksheets and Files

• Fossil Photos

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Fossil Photos

Preparation

• Read and familiarize yourself with the entire activity.
• Ensure access to fossil images and preview them (see link in Worksheets & Files section).
• Print out fossil images or ensure access to a projector so that you can share them with students.
• Make a sample "fossil" print for students to use as a model.
• Place modeling clay and objects at each workstation.
• Gather all other necessary materials.

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Activity Steps

1. Display a few images of fossils. Ask students what they know about fossils. Explain that fossils are animals or plants that lived long ago and have been preserved in rock.
2. Tell students that today, they will work in teams to make "fossil" prints. Explain that these types of fossils are called imprints.
3. Have students work in groups, with each group at a separate workstation.
4. Have students divide the clay equally between stations.
5. Then, show each student how to make their own model fossil. Have them:
   
   • Roll out pieces of clay to make a flat surface.
   • Select an object to use to make the imprint.
   • Press the object into the clay and remove it cleanly to make an imprint.
   • Put the objects they used to make each model fossil print in a pile in the center of the table.
6. Circulate the room as students work to answer questions or provide help as needed.
7. When all of the fossils are completed, have groups visit the other workstations. They should try to match each object in the center of the table with one of the fossil imprints.
8. When the group thinks it has solved the mystery, the group that made the imprints should confirm or correct the guesses.
9. After groups have visited each workstation, reconvene the whole group and discuss these questions:
   
   • What types of objects made the best prints? Why?
   • What types of imprints were hard to guess? Why?
   • Do imprints always look like the object that made them? (Students might realize that if an object is pressed into clay sideways or at an unusual angle, it might make a surprising imprint.)
   • What did this activity teach you about the process that scientists might use to identify fossils? (Possible response: Scientists use the information they already have about ancient animals, such as foot shape and size, to try to match imprints with the ancient animal that left the imprint. This is not always easy.)

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