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Grade 3 Fossils Worksheet with Answers
Grade 3 (US) · Year 4 (UK) · Class 3 (India) · Science
Unit 3: Ecosystems & ChangeFossilsNGSS 3-LS4-1
What fossils are, how they form, and what they tell us about life and environments long ago. This free upper elementary worksheet has 13 questions and a full answer key. Print it or save it as a PDF — every answer is checked by code, not guessed.
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Practice Sheetaethelsystems.comFossils
Grade 3 · Science
Name
Class
Date
Learning goal: Fossils · NGSS 3-LS4-1
Directions: This worksheet has 3 parts. Read the instructions at the start of each part.
Label the diagram. Use the words in the box.
Word bank
- 1
- 2
- 3
Match each clue to the right word. Write the letter in the box.
- 4What scientist studies fossils?
- 5Fossil ferns are found in a cold place. What was the climate like long ago?
- 6In what kind of rock are most fossils found?
- 7Can footprints become fossils?
- AWarm and wet
- BYes
- CPaleontologist
- DSedimentary rock
Answer each question. Use full sentences where you can.
- 8
A fish fossil is found on a mountain. What does that suggest?
- 9
What does extinct mean?
- 10
What is a fossil?
- 11
Are deeper rock layers usually older or younger?
OlderYounger - 12
What can fossils tell us?
- 13
Why are fossils of soft-bodied animals rare?
★ Challenge corner for fast finishers
I change from a caterpillar into something with wings. What am I?
How did I do?
Teacher's comments
Free printable worksheets with answer keys · aethelsystems.com/worksheets/science/3/fossils
Answer key — Fossils (Grade 3)
- 1.youngest layer
- 2.oldest layer
- 3.fossil
- 4.C — a paleontologist
- 5.A — warm and wet
- 6.D — sedimentary rock
- 7.B — yes (trace fossils)
- 8.the area was once under water
- 9.no longer living anywhere on Earth
- 10.the preserved remains or traces of a living thing from long ago
- 11.older
- 12.what living things and environments were like long ago
- 13.soft parts rot before they can be preserved
- ★a butterfly
Answer key (click to show)
- 1.youngest layer
- 2.oldest layer
- 3.fossil
- 4.C — a paleontologist
- 5.A — warm and wet
- 6.D — sedimentary rock
- 7.B — yes (trace fossils)
- 8.the area was once under water
- 9.no longer living anywhere on Earth
- 10.the preserved remains or traces of a living thing from long ago
- 11.older
- 12.what living things and environments were like long ago
- 13.soft parts rot before they can be preserved
- ★a butterfly (challenge corner)
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