Science Week Free Resources: Dinosaur Fossils

This Science Week, use this free time-themed activity to spark curiosity and emphasise how scientific discoveries take into account evidence that spans thousands of years. Simply ask your class to continue the story! 

KS2 Opening: 

In the heart of a rugged desert, amidst the swirling sands and towering rock formations, Dr. Sarah Ramirez knelt beside a fossil embedded in the earth. Her fingers delicately brushed away centuries of dust, revealing the intricate patterns of bone beneath.

As an experienced archaeologist, Sarah had embarked on many expeditions in search of the secrets hidden within the earth. But this discovery was unlike any she had encountered before. For here, in this remote corner of the world, lay the remnants of creatures that had walked the earth millions of years ago - dinosaurs.

The sun beat down upon the desert landscape, casting long shadows that danced across the rocky terrain. But Sarah paid no mind to the sweltering heat or the biting wind that whipped through the canyons. For in this moment, she was transported back in time, her mind ablaze with visions of a world long lost to history. In this world, there was… 

Ask your class to continue the story. They could either describe the fossils that Sarah discovers, or use a flashback to narrate the process of how the dinosaurs (or other animals) became fossiled in the first place. Developing Experts’ year 3 unit on rocks or year 6 unit on evolution and inheritance would be effective curriculum links for this activity. 

KS1 Opening: 

In a land close to a forest lived a curious explorer named Lily. Lily loved to venture into the wild with her magnifying glass in hand, searching for treasures hidden among the rocks and leaves.

One bright morning, as the sun peeked over the horizon and painted the world with hues of gold and pink, Lily set off on her latest adventure. She followed a winding path that led her deep into the heart of the forest.

As she wandered through the ancient trees, their branches reaching out like long-forgotten friends, Lily stumbled upon a mysterious cave nestled within the rocky cliffs. Curiosity bubbling within her, she tiptoed inside, her heart racing with excitement.

Inside the cave, the air was cool and still, a sanctuary untouched by the hustle and bustle of the world outside. Lily's eyes widened with wonder as she spotted something glittering in the dim light - a fossil, nestled among the stones like a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered…

Ask your class to continue the story, describing what else Lily may find in the cave or using a flashback to describe the fossiled creatures when they were alive on Earth. For a class who haven't learned about fossils or needs extra support, the activity can be adapted to focus more on exploration and sensory experiences. For example, you could: 

• Provide the children with replica fossils made of safe, tactile materials such as clay or plaster. Let them feel the texture, shape and patterns on the fossils.
• Encourage the children to continue acting out the story using props and costumes.
• Take the children on a nature walk or outdoor exploration session. Look for rocks, leaves and other natural objects that can spark their curiosity. Talk about the different textures, colours and shapes they observe in nature.
• Draw or model dinosaurs, relating them to the fossil found in the story.