Fossils Activities for Middle School Science
The Kesler Science Fossil classroom resources offer a comprehensive and engaging collection of materials designed to bring the study of fossils to life for middle school students. The resources below will give students a comprehensive understanding of fossils. All of the following materials are also included in the Kesler Science Membership.
Make lesson planning easy with the Kesler Science Fossils Complete 5E Lesson, designed for minimal prep and maximum student engagement. This multi-day, student-led lesson covers key concepts like fossilization, relative vs. absolute age, and the fossil record. Students will explore how fossils reveal the history of life on Earth, making connections to both past and present organisms.
The lesson incorporates differentiated materials, multimodal learning, and maximum flexibility, with options for both printable and digital formats. The 5E model—Engagement, Exploration, Explanation, Elaboration, and Evaluation—guides the learning process. With engaging activities like student-led station labs, videos, readings, and hands-on demos, students will stay actively involved in their learning.
The resource also includes editable PowerPoints, interactive notebooks, Spanish translations, and extension activities for early finishers. It’s an all-in-one resource, with opportunities for real-world connections, assessments aligned with standards, and project-based learning to deepen understanding. Perfect for all learners, from those needing support to advanced students ready for a challenge!
Make lesson planning easy with The Kesler Science Fossils Complete 5E Lesson, designed for minimal prep and maximum student engagement. This multi-day, student-led lesson covers key concepts like fossilization, relative vs. absolute age, and the fossil record. Students will explore how fossils reveal the history of life on earth, making connections to both past and present organisms.
The lesson incorporates differentiated materials, multimodal learning, and maximum flexibility, with options for both printable and digital formats. The 5E model—Engagement, Exploration, Explanation, Elaboration, and Evaluation—guides the learning process. With engaging activities like student-led station labs, videos, readings, and hands-on demos, students will stay actively involved in their learning.
The resource also includes editable PowerPoints, interactive notebooks, Spanish translations, and extension activities for early finishers. It’s an all-in-one resource, with opportunities for real-world connections, assessments aligned with standards, and project-based learning to deepen understanding. Perfect for all learners, from those needing support to advanced students ready for a challenge!
The Kesler Science Fossils Station Lab is designed to keep middle school students engaged in earth science through a modular, student-led approach. The nine stations allow students to explore fossils through a variety of learning modes, including hands-on activities, digital tasks, reading, and videos. Each station is differentiated to cater to diverse learning styles, ensuring all students are challenged at their level, with a bonus "Challenge It!" station for advanced learners.
The stations include both Input and Output activities. Input Stations, like "Explore It!" and "Read It!", help students encounter new concepts in creative ways, whether through experiments, readings, or research. Output Stations, such as "Organize It!" and "Illustrate It!", allow students to demonstrate their understanding through tasks like card sorts, drawing, and written responses.
Included in this resource is all the signage, task cards, and resources needed for independent or group work.
The Kesler Science Fossils Station Lab is designed to keep middle school students engaged in earth science through a modular, student-led approach. The nine stations allow students to explore fossils through a variety of learning modes, including hands-on activities, digital tasks, reading, and videos. Each station is differentiated to cater to diverse learning styles, ensuring all students are challenged at their level, with a bonus "Challenge It!" station for advanced learners.
The stations include both Input and Output activities. Input Stations, like "Explore It!" and "Read It!", help students encounter new concepts in creative ways, whether through experiments, readings, or research. Output Stations, such as "Organize It!" and "Illustrate It!", allow students to demonstrate their understanding through tasks like card sorts, drawing, and written responses.
Included in this resource is all the signage, task cards, and resources needed for independent or group work.
The Kesler Science Fossils Student Choice Projects offer middle school students the opportunity to select a project that suits their learning style, with six project options and a “design your own” choice. Teachers can assess projects using a customizable rubric, with options for peer, self, or teacher evaluation.
Designed for flexibility and differentiation, these projects allow students to creatively demonstrate their understanding of fossils. Teachers can modify the rubric to meet the diverse needs of their students, ensuring all learners—from remediation to advanced—can participate and excel. Projects can be done with minimal classroom supplies, and many are adaptable for digital completion.
These engaging, multimodal projects are a great way to enhance student learning and provide a personalized educational experience while saving valuable planning time.
The Kesler Science Fossils Student Choice Projects offer middle school students the opportunity to select a project that suits their learning style, with six project options and a “design your own” choice. Teachers can assess projects using a customizable rubric, with options for peer, self, or teacher evaluation.
Designed for flexibility and differentiation, these projects allow students to creatively demonstrate their understanding of fossils. Teachers can modify the rubric to meet the diverse needs of their students, ensuring all learners—from remediation to advanced—can participate and excel. Projects can be done with minimal classroom supplies, and many are adaptable for digital completion.
These engaging, multimodal projects are a great way to enhance student learning and provide a personalized educational experience while saving valuable planning time.
The Kesler Science Earth Science Interactive Notebook Bundle is a must-have for teachers who want to provide an interactive learning experience in earth science. It includes both print and digital versions, making it a versatile resource for traditional classrooms, 1:1 environments, and distance learning.
The bundle covers a wide range of earth science topics, including Continental Drift Theory, plate boundaries, rocks and minerals, the rock cycle, Earth’s layers, volcanoes, earthquakes, and more. It also features activities like Venn diagrams, topographic maps, and reflection pages to help students demonstrate understanding and make connections between concepts.
The digital version includes a unique interactive notebook PowerPoint, which can be uploaded to Google Slides or learning management systems like MS Teams and Canvas. The paper version provides blank and pre-filled templates, along with color photos to guide students in completing each activity. Both versions come with a teacher answer key and a modified version for students with accommodations.
The Kesler Science Earth Science Interactive Notebook Bundle is a must-have for teachers who want to provide an interactive learning experience in earth science. It includes both print and digital versions, making it a versatile resource for traditional classrooms, 1:1 environments, and distance learning.
The bundle covers a wide range of earth science topics, including Continental Drift Theory, plate boundaries, rocks and minerals, the rock cycle, Earth’s layers, volcanoes, earthquakes, and more. It also features activities like Venn diagrams, topographic maps, and reflection pages to help students demonstrate understanding and make connections between concepts.
The digital version includes a unique interactive notebook PowerPoint, which can be uploaded to Google Slides or learning management systems like MS Teams and Canvas. The paper version provides blank and pre-filled templates, along with color photos to guide students in completing each activity. Both versions come with a teacher answer key and a modified version for students with accommodations.
The Patterns in the Fossil Record Inquiry Lab aligns with NGSS MS-LS4-1 and invites students to analyze and interpret paleontological data to make inferences about dinosaur behavior, specifically the Maiasaura. Students will use inductive reasoning to explore evidence from the fossil record, guiding them to develop and support scientific claims through hands-on or digital experiences.
This flexible resource includes both printable and interactive digital versions, each featuring comprehension questions, Claim-Evidence-Reasoning (C.E.R.) prompts, and reflection activities. Three differentiated versions—Dependent, Modified, and Independent—accommodate various learning needs. Editable files allow teachers to adapt materials as needed, and no supplies are required for the digital version.
Comprehensive teacher resources simplify planning, with answer keys, objectives, prep guidance, and fully editable formats. Whether used in-person or virtually, this engaging lab helps students explore key concepts of fossil evidence and evolutionary change in an accessible, student-centered way.
The Patterns in the Fossil Record Inquiry Lab aligns with NGSS MS-LS4-1 and invites students to analyze and interpret paleontological data to make inferences about dinosaur behavior, specifically the Maiasaura. Students will use inductive reasoning to explore evidence from the fossil record, guiding them to develop and support scientific claims through hands-on or digital experiences.
This flexible resource includes both printable and interactive digital versions, each featuring comprehension questions, Claim-Evidence-Reasoning (C.E.R.) prompts, and reflection activities. Three differentiated versions—Dependent, Modified, and Independent—accommodate various learning needs. Editable files allow teachers to adapt materials as needed, and no supplies are required for the digital version.
Comprehensive teacher resources simplify planning, with answer keys, objectives, prep guidance, and fully editable formats. Whether used in-person or virtually, this engaging lab helps students explore key concepts of fossil evidence and evolutionary change in an accessible, student-centered way.
This comprehensive Fossils and Geologic Time Sub Plan provides an engaging, student-centered experience that covers key concepts through a warm-up, reading passage, independent activity, and extension tasks. Students will explore fossilization processes, create story outlines, and work through a scenario to demonstrate how organisms become fossils. Early finishers can extend their learning with comic creation or Grand Canyon graphic analysis.
The lesson includes detailed instructions and support for both in-class and distance learning formats. The distance learning version is equipped with a Google Form answer sheet and student PDFs for easy annotation. These resources make it easy to implement both in-person and virtual instruction, ensuring flexibility for diverse learning environments.
Designed for ease of use, the lesson plan includes substitute directions, engaging activities, extension tasks, and assessments, all aimed at keeping students engaged. With editable documents, answer keys, and a full set of materials for digital and print use, these plans are ideal for absent days, distance learning, and small-group instruction.
This comprehensive Fossils and Geologic Time Sub Plan provides an engaging, student-centered experience that covers key concepts through a warm-up, reading passage, independent activity, and extension tasks. Students will explore fossilization processes, create story outlines, and work through a scenario to demonstrate how organisms become fossils. Early finishers can extend their learning with comic creation or Grand Canyon graphic analysis.
The lesson includes detailed instructions and support for both in-class and distance learning formats. The distance learning version is equipped with a Google Form answer sheet and student PDFs for easy annotation. These resources make it easy to implement both in-person and virtual instruction, ensuring flexibility for diverse learning environments.
Designed for ease of use, the lesson plan includes substitute directions, engaging activities, extension tasks, and assessments, all aimed at keeping students engaged. With editable documents, answer keys, and a full set of materials for digital and print use, these plans are ideal for absent days, distance learning, and small-group instruction.
Engage your middle school students with a comprehensive study of fossils through an interactive science reading passage on paleontology. Students explore how fossils are formed and demonstrate their understanding by creating a class teaching activity on extinct animals. This resource promotes science literacy while enhancing reading comprehension and critical thinking.
The passage is designed for 6th-8th grade students, with two leveled versions (Lexile levels 1100-1300), and includes 5-7 comprehension questions for each. A mini-project encourages hands-on learning, while a Cornell notes template helps students organize information. Colorful graphics support visual learners and can be printed in grayscale for convenience.
Perfect for various learning settings, this resource is also compatible with distance learning. Teachers can utilize Google Forms, PDFs, and video tutorials for remote environments. Whether for in-class instruction, extra credit, or as science sub plans, this passage helps build science literacy, supports diverse learners, and fosters engaging classroom discussions.
Engage your middle school students with a comprehensive study of fossils through an interactive science reading passage on paleontology. Students explore how fossils are formed and demonstrate their understanding by creating a class teaching activity on extinct animals. This resource promotes science literacy while enhancing reading comprehension and critical thinking.
The passage is designed for 6th-8th grade students, with two leveled versions (Lexile levels 1100-1300), and includes 5-7 comprehension questions for each. A mini-project encourages hands-on learning, while a Cornell notes template helps students organize information. Colorful graphics support visual learners and can be printed in grayscale for convenience.
Perfect for various learning settings, this resource is also compatible with distance learning. Teachers can utilize Google Forms, PDFs, and video tutorials for remote environments. Whether for in-class instruction, extra credit, or as science sub plans, this passage helps build science literacy, supports diverse learners, and fosters engaging classroom discussions.
The Kesler Science Fossil Record Science Writing Prompt engages middle school students with a creative, student-centered task using a travel brochure format. Students will apply their knowledge of fossils in a fun and interactive way, while enhancing their science reasoning and writing skills. This activity is perfect for both in-class and virtual learning environments, ensuring flexibility for all students.
Designed for minimal prep, the activity includes a variety of resources such as teacher directions, project ideas, and rubrics for assessment. Whether in print or digital formats, students will have access to full-sized handouts, self-checks, and pre-writing strategies, all geared toward helping them succeed. The activity is also available in a projection version for easy classroom sharing.
This adaptable resource is perfect for a wide range of uses, including cross-curricular projects, formative assessments, and extension activities for early finishers. It's also great for extra credit, make-up work, or TELPAS samples, and can be easily tailored to meet students' specific needs, making it a versatile addition to your science curriculum.
The Kesler Science Fossil Record Science Writing Prompt engages middle school students with a creative, student-centered task using a travel brochure format. Students will apply their knowledge of fossils in a fun and interactive way, while enhancing their science reasoning and writing skills. This activity is perfect for both in-class and virtual learning environments, ensuring flexibility for all students.
Designed for minimal prep, the activity includes a variety of resources such as teacher directions, project ideas, and rubrics for assessment. Whether in print or digital formats, students will have access to full-sized handouts, self-checks, and pre-writing strategies, all geared toward helping them succeed. The activity is also available in a projection version for easy classroom sharing.
This adaptable resource is perfect for a wide range of uses, including cross-curricular projects, formative assessments, and extension activities for early finishers. It's also great for extra credit, make-up work, or TELPAS samples, and can be easily tailored to meet students' specific needs, making it a versatile addition to your science curriculum.
The Kesler Science Earth Science WIKI Tickets provide formative assessments for 6th-8th grade science topics, offering flexible options to check students' understanding in an engaging format. Each topic includes five versions: a full-screen projection version, three handout sizes (full, split, and quarter-page), and an interactive digital version for Google Slides or PowerPoint.
The Earth Science WIKI Tickets cover a wide range of earth science topics, including minerals, plate tectonics, the rock cycle, and human impact on the environment. Some topics have more than one ticket, but every topic is covered by at least one.
The WIKI Tickets can be used in both in-person and virtual learning environments. They work great as exit tickets, bellringers, or informal assessments during lessons. Teachers can project them, use printable handouts, or assign them digitally for remote students, making them adaptable for any teaching situation.
The Kesler Science Earth Science WIKI Tickets provide formative assessments for 6th-8th grade science topics, offering flexible options to check students' understanding in an engaging format. Each topic includes five versions: a full-screen projection version, three handout sizes (full, split, and quarter-page), and an interactive digital version for Google Slides or PowerPoint.
The Earth Science WIKI Tickets cover a wide range of earth science topics, including minerals, plate tectonics, the rock cycle, and human impact on the environment. Some topics have more than one ticket, but every topic is covered by at least one.
The WIKI Tickets can be used in both in-person and virtual learning environments. They work great as exit tickets, bellringers, or informal assessments during lessons. Teachers can project them, use printable handouts, or assign them digitally for remote students, making them adaptable for any teaching situation.
The Kesler Science Earth Science Lesson Extensions offer engaging activities for fast finishers, fostering critical thinking and creativity. These extensions are designed to scaffold learning for students ready to dive deeper into earth science topics while aligning with NGSS and TEKS standards. They provide a fun yet rigorous way to enhance lessons and keep students focused during independent work or testing.
Each Lesson Extension includes four core activities: a Puzzler to improve problem-solving, a Maker Space to promote STEAM connections, a Tech Connection to demonstrate learning through digital media, and a Word Master activity to integrate creative writing. These activities ensure students engage with the content in a variety of ways, helping reinforce their understanding.
The Lesson Extensions come with teacher directions, answer keys, and both paper and digital versions for flexibility. Perfect for wrapping up lessons or providing enrichment, these extensions cover a wide range of earth science topics like climate change, fossil fuels, and plate tectonics, all while meeting high-level science standards.
The Kesler Science Earth Science Lesson Extensions offer engaging activities for fast finishers, fostering critical thinking and creativity. These extensions are designed to scaffold learning for students ready to dive deeper into earth science topics while aligning with NGSS and TEKS standards. They provide a fun yet rigorous way to enhance lessons and keep students focused during independent work or testing.
Each Lesson Extension includes four core activities: a Puzzler to improve problem-solving, a Maker Space to promote STEAM connections, a Tech Connection to demonstrate learning through digital media, and a Word Master activity to integrate creative writing. These activities ensure students engage with the content in a variety of ways, helping reinforce their understanding.
The Lesson Extensions come with teacher directions, answer keys, and both paper and digital versions for flexibility. Perfect for wrapping up lessons or providing enrichment, these extensions cover a wide range of earth science topics like climate change, fossil fuels, and plate tectonics, all while meeting high-level science standards.
This Amazing Anchors Phenomenon Lesson introduces and reinforces fossil concepts through a real-world connection to the discovery of feathers on a T. rex. It begins with an engaging introductory reading and comprehension questions that spark curiosity and prepare students for further exploration. A follow-up explanatory reading breaks down the science of fossil formation and interpretation in an accessible way, with additional questions to reinforce student understanding.
The resource includes teacher directions, answer keys, editable materials, and both print and digital versions suitable for interactive notebooks or LMS platforms. A projection version is also available to save paper. The lesson is NGSS-aligned to standard MS-LS4-1 and includes differentiated support, such as a modified reading with sentence starters for students who need additional scaffolding.
Designed to bookend a core science lesson, these readings and questions work well during the Engagement and Elaborate phases of the 5E model. Whether used in person or online, this no-prep activity helps students connect with fossil science through a compelling anchoring phenomenon.
This Amazing Anchors Phenomenon Lesson introduces and reinforces fossil concepts through a real-world connection to the discovery of feathers on a T. rex. It begins with an engaging introductory reading and comprehension questions that spark curiosity and prepare students for further exploration. A follow-up explanatory reading breaks down the science of fossil formation and interpretation in an accessible way, with additional questions to reinforce student understanding.
The resource includes teacher directions, answer keys, editable materials, and both print and digital versions suitable for interactive notebooks or LMS platforms. A projection version is also available to save paper. The lesson is NGSS-aligned to standard MS-LS4-1 and includes differentiated support, such as a modified reading with sentence starters for students who need additional scaffolding.
Designed to bookend a core science lesson, these readings and questions work well during the Engagement and Elaborate phases of the 5E model. Whether used in person or online, this no-prep activity helps students connect with fossil science through a compelling anchoring phenomenon.
Year-Round Resources
These year-round activities will increase your students' understanding of many middle school science topics. All of these activities are also included in the Kesler Science Membership.
Visual Data & Graphing
You're not alone if your students struggle with understanding graphs, charts, and tables. It's a skill that takes an enormous amount of practice. This resource will help students build a strong foundation in analyzing data and creating their own data visualizations.
Bell Ringers and Warm-Ups
These middle school science bell ringers are an excellent way to engage your students as soon as they walk into your classroom. This comprehensive FULL YEAR resource includes everything you need to start off each science class with an interesting warm-up activity.
Review Board Games
Each game board has been carefully designed to keep students engaged. There are 10 different action spaces on each board and dozens of question cards. All of the actions are related to science concepts and keep the students motivated throughout the game.
Each game is ready to play. Simply print out the board and the cards and let the students enjoy reviewing nine different units.
Essential Questions
Below are the essential questions associated with the lessons and activities included in this unit. This topic is only one of more than 100 middle school science topics included in the Kesler Science Membership.
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What are fossils?
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What are some different types of fossilization?
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What is the difference between relative and absolute age?
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What does the fossil record tell scientists?
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What organisms today have similarities to organisms of the past?
Kesler Science Membership
Imagine never having to search for another middle school science lesson again. The membership gives you access to ALL of the Kesler Science products in one place (Yes, including everything above).
Say goodbye to long hours of lesson prep.