Grade 3 · Science · Unit 10 of 15
Fossils & Rock Layers
Dinosaurs of Alberta and what rock layers tell us.
What your child practises
Fossils and rock layers as evidence of the past, with Alberta places such as Dinosaur Provincial Park and Drumheller.
Alberta Curriculum learning outcome: 3ES1.6 · rock layers, fossils and dinosaurs of Alberta
Sample questions
A taste of this unit. In the app, questions change every time and get easier or harder to match your child.
Question 1
A mould fossil is…
🐾- a green fuzzy mould
- a toy
- a new bone
- an imprint left in rock
Show answer
an imprint left in rock
Hint: The shape of the living thing is pressed into the rock.
Question 2
A scientist who studies fossils is called a…
🔬- chef
- pharmacist
- pilot
- paleontologist
Show answer
paleontologist
Hint: Paleontologists study life from long ago.
Question 3
Why do scientists study layers of rock?
🔍- layers make noise
- layers keep rocks warm
- layers are colourful
- each layer holds clues about the past
Show answer
each layer holds clues about the past
Hint: Fossils and rock layers tell stories about Earth's history.
Question 4
Which tool might a paleontologist use to carefully uncover a fossil?
🖌️- a small brush
- a lawn mower
- a bucket of paint
- a big hammer only
Show answer
a small brush
Hint: Careful tools keep fossils from breaking.
Question 5
Which is the best way to tell which of two fossils is older?
🧱- pick the heavier one
- pick the one with more colour
- pick the bigger one
- check which was in the lower rock layer
Show answer
check which was in the lower rock layer
Hint: Lower layers are usually older.
Question 6
Fossils help us learn…
🦴- how fast clouds move
- what we will eat tomorrow
- who won a game
- what plants and animals lived long ago and where
Show answer
what plants and animals lived long ago and where
Hint: They are evidence of past life.