Fossil Discovery: Match & Learn + Fun Facts & Games!

Fossil Discovery! | Paleontology Science Activities & Worksheets (Grades K–3)

Take students on an exciting fossil dig adventure with this engaging Fossil Discovery science resource! Learners explore fossils, ancient creatures, and paleontology through hands-on observation, matching, vocabulary games, and critical thinking activities designed especially for early elementary students.

This resource blends science content with fun, inquiry-based learning, making it perfect for life science units, STEM centers, and dinosaur or prehistoric themes.

What’s Included:

• “Fossil Discovery!” informational pages explaining fossils and paleontology in kid-friendly language
• Living Fossil focus featuring the coelacanth and the concept of ancient species still living today
• Fossil-to-creature matching activity to build observation skills
• Finish-the-drawing activity to strengthen visual reasoning
• Vocabulary unscramble activity (fossils, scientists, extinct, creatures, ancestors)
• Word search with paleontology and geology vocabulary
• Fossil identification challenge using real fossil fish types:
• Priscacara
• Mioplosus
• Diplomystus
• Pycnodontiformes
• “Congratulations, Dino Hunter!” science journal-style reflection page

Skills & Concepts Covered:

✔ What fossils are and why they matter

✔ Paleontology and scientists’ work

✔ Extinct vs. living fossils

✔ Observing patterns and physical traits

✔ Comparing ancient and modern animals

✔ Scientific vocabulary development

Grade Levels:

Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade

Perfect For:

• Fossils and dinosaur units
• Life science & Earth science lessons
• STEM and STEAM centers
• Science journals & interactive notebooks
• Early finishers or sub plans
• Homeschool and enrichment activities

Teacher Tip:

Pair this resource with a fossil read-aloud, museum virtual tour, or hands-on “dig” activity using sand or clay to deepen student engagement.