Patterns in the Fossil Record Activities for Middle School Science
The Fossils and Geologic Time Scale 5E Lessons engage middle school students in exploring Earth’s history through interactive, student-led learning aligned with NGSS and TEKS standards. Using the 5E Model, students begin with discussions and hands-on activities before delving into differentiated station labs featuring reading passages, research tasks, videos, and interactive exercises. Explanation resources include editable PowerPoints, interactive notebooks, and bilingual note-taking guides, while student-choice projects in the elaboration phase deepen understanding. Mastery is assessed through STAAR 2.0-aligned evaluations, review questions, and worksheets. Designed for both in-person and virtual learning, these flexible lessons provide printable and digital formats with Spanish translations for key materials, ensuring accessibility and engagement for all learners. The resources below will give students a comprehensive understanding of patterns in the fossil record. All of the following materials are also included in the Kesler Science Membership.
The Kesler Science Fossils 5E Lesson is a comprehensive, engaging unit designed for middle school students. It includes editable presentations, worksheets, student-choice projects, and assessments, all requiring minimal prep. The lesson fosters differentiated, student-led learning while addressing key questions about fossils, fossilization, relative and absolute dating, and the fossil record.
Following the 5E Model, the lesson begins with engaging discussions and activities. The exploration phase features a hands-on, differentiated station lab with nine multimodal stations, including hands-on demos, reading passages, research tasks, videos, and interactive sorting activities. Explanation resources include editable PowerPoints, interactive notebook templates, and note-taking guides in English and Spanish. Students extend their learning through choice projects and demonstrate understanding with STAAR 2.0-aligned assessments, review questions, and worksheets.
Designed for both in-person and virtual learning, this flexible resource provides maximum adaptability with printable and digital formats. Spanish translations are available for vocabulary, reading passages, and interactive notebooks.
The Kesler Science Fossils 5E Lesson is a comprehensive, engaging unit designed for middle school students. It includes editable presentations, worksheets, student-choice projects, and assessments, all requiring minimal prep. The lesson fosters differentiated, student-led learning while addressing key questions about fossils, fossilization, relative and absolute dating, and the fossil record.
Following the 5E Model, the lesson begins with engaging discussions and activities. The exploration phase features a hands-on, differentiated station lab with nine multimodal stations, including hands-on demos, reading passages, research tasks, videos, and interactive sorting activities. Explanation resources include editable PowerPoints, interactive notebook templates, and note-taking guides in English and Spanish. Students extend their learning through choice projects and demonstrate understanding with STAAR 2.0-aligned assessments, review questions, and worksheets.
Designed for both in-person and virtual learning, this flexible resource provides maximum adaptability with printable and digital formats. Spanish translations are available for vocabulary, reading passages, and interactive notebooks.
The Kesler Science Geologic Time Scale 5E Lesson is a comprehensive, student-led unit designed for middle school earth science. It includes editable presentations, worksheets, choice projects, and assessments, all requiring minimal prep. The lesson aligns with NGSS and TEKS standards and engages students in multimodal learning with printable and digital formats, including Spanish translations for key materials.
Following the 5E Model, students begin with engagement activities, including vocabulary word wall cards and class discussions. The exploration phase features a differentiated, student-led station lab with nine stations, incorporating hands-on activities, reading passages, videos, research tasks, and interactive exercises. Explanation resources include editable PowerPoints, interactive notebooks, and note-taking templates. Students extend their learning through choice projects in the elaboration phase and demonstrate mastery with STAAR 2.0-aligned assessments, review questions, and worksheets in the evaluation phase.
Designed for flexibility, the unit supports both in-person and virtual learning environments. Its differentiated materials and interactive format ensure middle school students remain engaged while reinforcing their understanding of Earth’s geologic history.
The Kesler Science Geologic Time Scale 5E Lesson is a comprehensive, student-led unit designed for middle school earth science. It includes editable presentations, worksheets, choice projects, and assessments, all requiring minimal prep. The lesson aligns with NGSS and TEKS standards and engages students in multimodal learning with printable and digital formats, including Spanish translations for key materials.
Following the 5E Model, students begin with engagement activities, including vocabulary word wall cards and class discussions. The exploration phase features a differentiated, student-led station lab with nine stations, incorporating hands-on activities, reading passages, videos, research tasks, and interactive exercises. Explanation resources include editable PowerPoints, interactive notebooks, and note-taking templates. Students extend their learning through choice projects in the elaboration phase and demonstrate mastery with STAAR 2.0-aligned assessments, review questions, and worksheets in the evaluation phase.
Designed for flexibility, the unit supports both in-person and virtual learning environments. Its differentiated materials and interactive format ensure middle school students remain engaged while reinforcing their understanding of Earth’s geologic history.
Engage your middle school students with this student-led Fossils Station Lab, designed to encourage independent learning and critical thinking. Aligned with earth science concepts, this lesson guides students in constructing scientific explanations based on evidence from rock strata through nine interactive stations.
Students explore new concepts with multimodal input stations, including hands-on demonstrations, research activities, reading passages (available in English and Spanish), and videos. Output stations allow students to demonstrate their understanding through organization tasks, illustrations, written responses, and assessments. A challenge station provides extension activities for advanced learners.
This flexible resource includes all necessary materials and can be used in both classroom and virtual settings, promoting active engagement and personalized learning.
Engage your middle school students with this student-led Fossils Station Lab, designed to encourage independent learning and critical thinking. Aligned with earth science concepts, this lesson guides students in constructing scientific explanations based on evidence from rock strata through nine interactive stations.
Students explore new concepts with multimodal input stations, including hands-on demonstrations, research activities, reading passages (available in English and Spanish), and videos. Output stations allow students to demonstrate their understanding through organization tasks, illustrations, written responses, and assessments. A challenge station provides extension activities for advanced learners.
This flexible resource includes all necessary materials and can be used in both classroom and virtual settings, promoting active engagement and personalized learning.
Engage your middle school students with this interactive, student-led station lab exploring the geologic time scale. Designed to promote independent learning, this earth science activity guides students in analyzing and interpreting fossil record data to understand changes in life throughout Earth’s history.
This modular station lab includes nine differentiated stations that allow students to engage with new concepts and demonstrate their understanding in multiple ways. Input stations offer hands-on demonstrations, research tasks, readings, and videos, while output stations provide opportunities for organizing information, illustrating models, writing responses, and completing assessments. A challenge station extends learning with crosswords, games, and mini projects for early finishers.
With all necessary materials, signage, literature, and task cards included, students can work independently or in small groups, either in class or virtually. This engaging, low-prep resource encourages active learning and critical thinking in your science curriculum.
Engage your middle school students with this interactive, student-led station lab exploring the geologic time scale. Designed to promote independent learning, this earth science activity guides students in analyzing and interpreting fossil record data to understand changes in life throughout Earth’s history.
This modular station lab includes nine differentiated stations that allow students to engage with new concepts and demonstrate their understanding in multiple ways. Input stations offer hands-on demonstrations, research tasks, readings, and videos, while output stations provide opportunities for organizing information, illustrating models, writing responses, and completing assessments. A challenge station extends learning with crosswords, games, and mini projects for early finishers.
With all necessary materials, signage, literature, and task cards included, students can work independently or in small groups, either in class or virtually. This engaging, low-prep resource encourages active learning and critical thinking in your science curriculum.
The Fossils Student Choice Projects align with NGSS science standards, allowing middle school students to choose a project that suits their preferred output style. A project page outlines six student-led options plus a “design your own” project, all supported by an editable rubric for teacher, peer, or self-assessment.
These flexible, multimodal projects provide creative ways for students to demonstrate their understanding. Two versions of the project page support differentiation, with modified options for students needing remediation and challenge options for advanced learners. Teachers can adjust the rubric to fit grading needs and assign multiple projects if needed.
The projects use standard classroom supplies like paper, markers, and scissors, with many options available for digital completion. Some crafting supplies may be helpful for building models.
The Fossils Student Choice Projects align with NGSS science standards, allowing middle school students to choose a project that suits their preferred output style. A project page outlines six student-led options plus a “design your own” project, all supported by an editable rubric for teacher, peer, or self-assessment.
These flexible, multimodal projects provide creative ways for students to demonstrate their understanding. Two versions of the project page support differentiation, with modified options for students needing remediation and challenge options for advanced learners. Teachers can adjust the rubric to fit grading needs and assign multiple projects if needed.
The projects use standard classroom supplies like paper, markers, and scissors, with many options available for digital completion. Some crafting supplies may be helpful for building models.
The Geologic Time Scale Student Choice Projects lesson allows middle school students to select a project that aligns with their preferred output style. A project page outlines six student-led options plus a “design your own” project, with a rubric for teacher, peer, or self-assessment.
These flexible, multimodal projects offer creative ways for students to demonstrate their understanding. Teachers can modify the rubric to fit their grading needs. Two versions of the project page support differentiation, with a modified version offering remediation-focused options and an advanced option allowing students to combine projects while using the same rubric.
The projects require standard classroom supplies like paper, markers, and scissors, with many options available for digital completion. Some crafting materials may be useful for model-building.
The Geologic Time Scale Student Choice Projects lesson allows middle school students to select a project that aligns with their preferred output style. A project page outlines six student-led options plus a “design your own” project, with a rubric for teacher, peer, or self-assessment.
These flexible, multimodal projects offer creative ways for students to demonstrate their understanding. Teachers can modify the rubric to fit their grading needs. Two versions of the project page support differentiation, with a modified version offering remediation-focused options and an advanced option allowing students to combine projects while using the same rubric.
The projects require standard classroom supplies like paper, markers, and scissors, with many options available for digital completion. Some crafting materials may be useful for model-building.
The Patterns in the Fossil Record Inquiry Lab aligns with NGSS MS-LS4-1, guiding students to analyze fossil record data to infer past life forms and behaviors. This lab offers both hands-on and digital interactive formats, each including comprehension questions, Claim-Evidence-Reasoning (C.E.R.) prompts, and reflection sections.
Students use inductive reasoning to examine evidence from paleontologists and develop inferences about the behavior of Maiasaura. The lab is available in three differentiated levels: Dependent, which includes guided inquiry questions; Modified, offering structured support with sentence stems and multiple-choice options; and Independent, where students lead their own investigations with minimal guidance.
The print format provides hands-on procedures, while the digital version is an interactive PowerPoint compatible with Google Slides, requiring no additional materials. Editable teacher resources, answer keys, and multimodal learning tools ensure flexibility for diverse classroom needs.
The Patterns in the Fossil Record Inquiry Lab aligns with NGSS MS-LS4-1, guiding students to analyze fossil record data to infer past life forms and behaviors. This lab offers both hands-on and digital interactive formats, each including comprehension questions, Claim-Evidence-Reasoning (C.E.R.) prompts, and reflection sections.
Students use inductive reasoning to examine evidence from paleontologists and develop inferences about the behavior of Maiasaura. The lab is available in three differentiated levels: Dependent, which includes guided inquiry questions; Modified, offering structured support with sentence stems and multiple-choice options; and Independent, where students lead their own investigations with minimal guidance.
The print format provides hands-on procedures, while the digital version is an interactive PowerPoint compatible with Google Slides, requiring no additional materials. Editable teacher resources, answer keys, and multimodal learning tools ensure flexibility for diverse classroom needs.
This Science Reading Comprehension Passage helps students explore evolutionary relationships by examining anatomical similarities and differences among modern and fossil organisms. Through a nonfiction article on the origin of whales, students answer comprehension questions and research an animal’s evolutionary history to create a profile.
Designed for middle school, the leveled passage supports science literacy and reading comprehension. It includes two Lexile-leveled articles (1100-1300), five to seven comprehension questions, and a hands-on mini-project. A Cornell notes template is provided for structured note-taking.
This resource is ideal for sub plans, ISS, extra credit, or whole-class instruction. It fosters critical thinking, classroom discussions, and textual analysis while reinforcing key science concepts. Compatible with Google Classroom, MS Teams, Schoology, and Canvas, students can complete assignments in both in-person and virtual learning environments.
This Science Reading Comprehension Passage helps students explore evolutionary relationships by examining anatomical similarities and differences among modern and fossil organisms. Through a nonfiction article on the origin of whales, students answer comprehension questions and research an animal’s evolutionary history to create a profile.
Designed for middle school, the leveled passage supports science literacy and reading comprehension. It includes two Lexile-leveled articles (1100-1300), five to seven comprehension questions, and a hands-on mini-project. A Cornell notes template is provided for structured note-taking.
This resource is ideal for sub plans, ISS, extra credit, or whole-class instruction. It fosters critical thinking, classroom discussions, and textual analysis while reinforcing key science concepts. Compatible with Google Classroom, MS Teams, Schoology, and Canvas, students can complete assignments in both in-person and virtual learning environments.
The Fossil Record Science Writing Prompt Activity engages middle school students in a creative travel brochure exercise to test their knowledge of life science. Aligned with MS-LS4-1, this student-centered activity helps them analyze and interpret data for patterns in the fossil record, exploring the existence, diversity, extinction, and changes in life forms throughout Earth's history. Designed for both in-person and virtual learning, the activity fosters science reasoning and writing skills.
This resource includes teacher directions with answer guides and rubrics, projection and print handouts, and a digital PowerPoint version for Google Slides. Students receive full-sized and half-sheet handouts with prompts, self-checks, pre-writing strategies, and layout templates. Ideal for cross-curricular activities, formative assessments, student choice projects, early finisher tasks, extra credit, make-up work, TELPAS samples, or differentiation exercises, this engaging writing activity makes a great addition to any science classroom.
The Fossil Record Science Writing Prompt Activity engages middle school students in a creative travel brochure exercise to test their knowledge of life science. Aligned with MS-LS4-1, this student-centered activity helps them analyze and interpret data for patterns in the fossil record, exploring the existence, diversity, extinction, and changes in life forms throughout Earth's history. Designed for both in-person and virtual learning, the activity fosters science reasoning and writing skills.
This resource includes teacher directions with answer guides and rubrics, projection and print handouts, and a digital PowerPoint version for Google Slides. Students receive full-sized and half-sheet handouts with prompts, self-checks, pre-writing strategies, and layout templates. Ideal for cross-curricular activities, formative assessments, student choice projects, early finisher tasks, extra credit, make-up work, TELPAS samples, or differentiation exercises, this engaging writing activity makes a great addition to any science classroom.
The WIKI Tickets© Structure of Life Set offers 24 formative assessments designed for 6th-8th grade science, providing flexible and engaging ways to check student understanding. Each topic is available in five formats: a full-screen projection version, three printable handout sizes, and an interactive digital version compatible with PowerPoint and Google Slides.
Aligned with NGSS and TEKS standards, these assessments cover essential life science topics such as cell function, the fossil record, heredity, reproduction, levels of cellular organization, and genetic mutations. A bonus table of contents file is included to show standard alignment. These WIKI Tickets© can be used for in-person or virtual learning, making them versatile for any classroom setting. Students can respond on paper, digitally, or in a remote 1:1 environment. Use them as exit tickets, bellringers, or quick checks to assess student progress effectively.
The WIKI Tickets© Structure of Life Set offers 24 formative assessments designed for 6th-8th grade science, providing flexible and engaging ways to check student understanding. Each topic is available in five formats: a full-screen projection version, three printable handout sizes, and an interactive digital version compatible with PowerPoint and Google Slides.
Aligned with NGSS and TEKS standards, these assessments cover essential life science topics such as cell function, the fossil record, heredity, reproduction, levels of cellular organization, and genetic mutations. A bonus table of contents file is included to show standard alignment. These WIKI Tickets© can be used for in-person or virtual learning, making them versatile for any classroom setting. Students can respond on paper, digitally, or in a remote 1:1 environment. Use them as exit tickets, bellringers, or quick checks to assess student progress effectively.
Lesson Extensions provide engaging, student-choice activities designed to challenge early finishers and deepen their understanding of earth science standards. These activities help fill downtime, reinforce critical thinking, and keep students engaged with rigorous yet enjoyable learning opportunities. Aligned to NGSS and TEKS, they offer flexible, high-level resources that support independent learning and enrichment.
Each extension includes four interactive components: Puzzler for problem-solving, Maker Space for hands-on STEAM activities, Tech Connection for digital demonstrations, and Word Master for creative writing. With teacher directions, answer keys, and both print and projection versions, these extensions are perfect for lesson wrap-ups, enrichment, or independent challenges.
Topics covered include climate and circulation, plate tectonics, fossil records, geological time scales, natural hazards, and more, ensuring students explore essential earth science concepts in a meaningful and engaging way.
Lesson Extensions provide engaging, student-choice activities designed to challenge early finishers and deepen their understanding of earth science standards. These activities help fill downtime, reinforce critical thinking, and keep students engaged with rigorous yet enjoyable learning opportunities. Aligned to NGSS and TEKS, they offer flexible, high-level resources that support independent learning and enrichment.
Each extension includes four interactive components: Puzzler for problem-solving, Maker Space for hands-on STEAM activities, Tech Connection for digital demonstrations, and Word Master for creative writing. With teacher directions, answer keys, and both print and projection versions, these extensions are perfect for lesson wrap-ups, enrichment, or independent challenges.
Topics covered include climate and circulation, plate tectonics, fossil records, geological time scales, natural hazards, and more, ensuring students explore essential earth science concepts in a meaningful and engaging way.
This Amazing Anchors Phenomenon Lesson introduces fossils through an engaging, real-world connection. It begins with an introductory reading on the possibility of the T. rex having feathers, accompanied by comprehension and extension questions to prepare students for deeper learning. The explanatory reading then breaks down the science behind fossils in an accessible way, with additional comprehension and reinforcement questions to extend student understanding.
Designed to bookend a lesson, this NGSS-aligned resource includes teacher directions with answer keys, projection slides, editable digital formats for LMS platforms, and printable full- and half-sheet handouts. A differentiated version provides sentence starters to support student comprehension. Ideal for use in the Engagement and Elaborate segments of 5E lessons, this no-prep resource enhances any middle school science unit on fossils in both in-person and digital classrooms.
This Amazing Anchors Phenomenon Lesson introduces fossils through an engaging, real-world connection. It begins with an introductory reading on the possibility of the T. rex having feathers, accompanied by comprehension and extension questions to prepare students for deeper learning. The explanatory reading then breaks down the science behind fossils in an accessible way, with additional comprehension and reinforcement questions to extend student understanding.
Designed to bookend a lesson, this NGSS-aligned resource includes teacher directions with answer keys, projection slides, editable digital formats for LMS platforms, and printable full- and half-sheet handouts. A differentiated version provides sentence starters to support student comprehension. Ideal for use in the Engagement and Elaborate segments of 5E lessons, this no-prep resource enhances any middle school science unit on fossils in both in-person and digital classrooms.
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 and Standards
Below are the essential questions and standards associated with the lessons and activities included in the patterns in the fossil record 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?
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How does the relative and absolute age of rocks and the fossil record provide evidence to Earth’s geologic history?
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How is Earth’s geologic history classified?
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What are some major events in Earth’s geologic history?
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NGSS - MS-LS4-1 Patterns in the Fossil Record
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).
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