Fossils - Self Assessment

Fossils are the preserved remains or traces of animals, plants, and other organisms from the remote past. The self-assessment checklist for students includes the ability to describe what a fossil is, which is an essential part of understanding paleontology. Fossils can range from the very small, like pollen grains, to the incredibly large, such as dinosaur bones or tree trunks. They provide a historical record of life on Earth and can indicate what the environment was like long ago.

The formation of fossils is a complex process that generally involves the preservation of organic material under layers of sediment, where it undergoes various chemical and physical changes over millions of years. In this self-assessment, students are also asked to reflect on their understanding of how a fossil is formed, which encompasses the various conditions and processes that contribute to fossilisation, such as mineralisation, carbonisation, or impression formation. Additionally, the ability to identify fossils as either plant or animal origin is a skill that helps in understanding the diversity of ancient life and ecosystems. The teacher's feedback section provides an opportunity for educators to offer guidance and acknowledge the students' comprehension and identification skills regarding fossils.