Students investigate the essential question, “How do fossils form?” by examining evidence and creating safe models of mold, cast, and amber fossils. They use observations to explain how plants and animals can be preserved in rock over millions of years. Drawing on The Maiasaura Dig, students write and illustrate a compelling narrative about discovering a fossil as a paleontologist.

Students will investigate the essential question, “How do fossils form?” by creating and observing models of mold, cast, and amber fossils. They will explain how sediment, pressure, and long periods of time can preserve evidence of plants and animals in rock. Students will compare fossil types, record observations, and use evidence to support their ideas. They will write and illustrate a sequenced narrative about discovering a fossil, using descriptive details to make the moment compelling.

Students will create labeled models of mold, cast, and amber fossils to show different answers to the question, “How do fossils form?” They will keep a fossil field journal with sketches, observations, and evidence from their model investigations. For the final product, students will write and illustrate a first-person narrative about discovering a fossil as a paleontologist, using scientific details and storytelling techniques. Students will share their models, journals, and narratives in a classroom fossil museum.

Stage a classroom “fossil dig” with buried replica fossils, shells, or leaf impressions for teams to uncover carefully using craft sticks and brushes. Students observe, sketch, and discuss clues about what each fossil might reveal about a once-living organism. Read a brief fossil-discovery scene from The Maiasaura Dig, then invite students to act out and describe their own moment of discovery. Gather their questions on a class wonder wall and introduce the essential question: How do fossils form?

Host a classroom “Fossil Discovery Museum” for families, school staff, or another class. Students display their mold, cast, or amber fossil models alongside illustrated discovery narratives and labels explaining how fossils form. Each student presents as a paleontologist by reading a favorite passage, describing the model, and answering a visitor’s question. Visitors leave a brief note sharing one new fossil fact they learned or one story detail they enjoyed.