Science Worksheet · Grades 3–5
Fossils Worksheet
A printable earth-science worksheet for grades 3-5 on fossils: the preserved remains or traces of living things from long ago, formed in rock over thousands of years. Students judge eight true/false statements, then answer four short questions. A complete answer key is included.
Subject
Science
Grades
Grades 3–5
Skill Focus
Fossils, earth science
Lesson Length
20 minutes
Lesson Overview
About this worksheet
A fossil is the preserved remains or trace of a living thing that lived a very long time ago – bones, shells, teeth, leaves, or even footprints turned to stone. Fossils form over thousands or millions of years when a dead plant or animal is buried and the mud or sand slowly hardens into rock. Scientists who study them are paleontologists. This worksheet teaches what fossils are and what they reveal.
Section A gives eight true/false statements, mixing correct facts (a footprint turned to stone can be a fossil; most fossils are found in sedimentary rock) with errors (fossils form in a few days; dinosaurs are still alive because we find their fossils). Students decide true or false. The reference box teaches the facts but phrases the statements differently.
Section B is short-answer. Students define a fossil, name two things that can become fossils, explain why fossils take so long to form, and describe what fossils tell scientists. Page 3 is a complete answer key. The skill connects to rocks, the layers of the Earth, and how the planet has changed.
How to Use This Lesson
Read the reference box aloud and explain how a buried bone slowly turns to stone.
Complete Section A independently – have students test each statement against the reference.
Discuss the false statements (fossils do not form in days; dinosaurs are extinct).
Use the answer key on page 3 for self-check or teacher review.
Pair with the Rocks and Minerals Worksheet or the Layers of the Earth Worksheet for an earth-science mini-unit.
Printable Resource
A classroom-ready PDF with everything in one printable resource.
Full Member Resource · Printable PDF · 3 pages · Answer Key
Fossils Worksheet
A printable earth-science worksheet for grades 3-5 on fossils: the preserved remains or traces of living things from long ago, formed in rock over thousands of years. Students judge eight true/false statements, then answer four short questions. A complete answer key is included.
This is a Full Member resource
Unlock this worksheet — plus 1,000+ printable worksheets with answer keys across every subject and grade K–12. Just $29.99/year, cancel anytime.
See membership options →Keep Exploring Science
Related Worksheets
More for Grades 3–5Animal Adaptations Worksheet · Animal Classification Worksheet · Camouflage and Mimicry Worksheet · Changes of State Worksheet · Clouds and Precipitation Worksheet · Complete and Incomplete Metamorphosis Worksheet