In this Grade 3 lesson from Science: A Closer Look, Chapter 5, students learn how fossils form through processes such as amber preservation, imprints, molds, and casts in sedimentary rock. They also explore how fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas come from ancient living things and are classified as nonrenewable resources. Hands-on activities help students model fossil formation and draw conclusions about Earth's past environments.
Section 1
Organisms Transform Into Different Types of Fossils
Fossils form when organisms leave imprints in mud, get trapped in amber, or when minerals replace hard parts. Molds create empty spaces in rock, while casts form when minerals fill these spaces.
Section 2
Plants and Animals Become Fossil Fuels Over Time
Coal, oil, and natural gas develop from ancient plant and animal remains over millions of years. These fossil fuels are nonrenewable resources that cannot be easily replaced once they're used up.
Section 3
Nature Provides Renewable Energy Alternatives
Unlike limited fossil fuels, the Sun, wind, moving water, and underground heat offer renewable energy sources. These alternatives can generate electricity without being depleted and represent sustainable options for our future.
Section 4
Scientists Develop Technology to Capture Nature's Energy
Humans have created ways to harness renewable energy through hydropower, wind turbines, geothermal plants, solar cells, and biomass processing. These technologies convert natural forces into usable electricity.
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Section 1
Organisms Transform Into Different Types of Fossils
Fossils form when organisms leave imprints in mud, get trapped in amber, or when minerals replace hard parts. Molds create empty spaces in rock, while casts form when minerals fill these spaces.
Section 2
Plants and Animals Become Fossil Fuels Over Time
Coal, oil, and natural gas develop from ancient plant and animal remains over millions of years. These fossil fuels are nonrenewable resources that cannot be easily replaced once they're used up.
Section 3
Nature Provides Renewable Energy Alternatives
Unlike limited fossil fuels, the Sun, wind, moving water, and underground heat offer renewable energy sources. These alternatives can generate electricity without being depleted and represent sustainable options for our future.
Section 4
Scientists Develop Technology to Capture Nature's Energy
Humans have created ways to harness renewable energy through hydropower, wind turbines, geothermal plants, solar cells, and biomass processing. These technologies convert natural forces into usable electricity.
Book overview
Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.
Continue this chapter