HOLES

Cross Curricular Activity: Science

Standard: Construct explanations by citing evidence found in
patterns of rock formations and fossils in rock layers that Earth
changes over time through both slow and rapid processes (e.g.,
rock layers containing shell fossils appearing above rock layers
containing plant fossils and no shells indicating a change from land
to water over time, a canyon with different rock layers in the
walls and a river in the bottom indicating that over time a river
cut through the rock). (2015)
Objective: Students will create models of the four types of
fossils, matching each model to its description with 100%
accuracy.
Students will create models out of play-doh of the four types of
fossils. The students will create a model of trace, mold, cast, and
true form fossils. The students will be given small plastic animals
and plants in order to make their models. After creating each
model, the students will place their models on a Types of Fossils
graphic organizer that details the differences between the
different types of fossils. The students will be asked to correctly
match each model to its description. The students will then be
asked to circle what type of fossil Stanley found in his hole on the
graphic organizer. The teacher will re-read the description of the
fossil from Holes to remind the students of what Stanley found.
He found a wide flat rock-he thought he could see the shape of
a fish fossilized in it the outline of the fish became clearer-he
could actually see the tiny lines where every one of the fishes
bones had been (50).

Name________________
Types of Fossils
Instructions: Create a model of each type of fossil and place
it under the correct fossil description. Circle the type of
fossil that Stanley found in his hole.
Trace Fossil

Mold F oss il

Show evidence of activity

Are used by scientis ts to study animal
behavior

Show an impression of the animal/plant

Once the animal or plant is dissolved
only the fossil is found

Cast Fossil

Shows a positive image of the animal/plant

protruding from the rock
Shows it in 3D form
It was a mold fossil that got filled in with
material

True Form Fossil

The actu al plant/ animal is the fossil

Often made when things are trapped in ice,
tar, or amber
All original features (color, fur, skin, etc. )
are intact.