What’s inside...
Explore the history of life on Earth through various types of fossils, including marine invertebrates, fishes, plants, early amphibians, dinosaurs, birds, mammals, and humans with DK Eyewitness Fossils. Learn about what fossils are, how they were formed, and what they reveal about ancient animals. The book features real-life photographs of fossils and includes a giant fold-out wall chart full of facts. Find pearls that are 50 million years old, a preserved foot of the extinct Moa, and the terrifying T-rex jaws.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
10-14
Length
72 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think it would be like to find a fossil? How would you feel?
Can you describe what a fossil is and how it is formed?
Why do you think fossils are important for us to study?
Which fossil in the book did you find the most interesting and why?
How do you think the world looked like when these creatures were alive?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine being a paleontologist by asking what tools they might use or where they would look for fossils. Discuss the importance of fossils in understanding Earth’s history. Connect the past with the present by comparing the ancient environments to the ones we see today. Encourage drawing or sculpting their favorite fossil from the book to deepen their connection with the material.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of patience
Explanation: In 'Fossil,' the process of discovering and studying fossils is depicted as meticulous and time-consuming, teaching children the value of patience.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by understanding that some tasks, like homework or learning a new skill, require time and persistence.
Example Lesson: Respect for nature
Explanation: The book emphasizes the careful handling of fossils and the surroundings where they are found, instilling a respect for nature and its historical artifacts.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to be mindful and respectful of their environment, whether they are interacting with plants, animals, or even non-living elements like rocks and rivers.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and learning
Explanation: Through the characters' adventures in 'Fossil,' the story promotes a sense of curiosity and excitement about learning and discovery.
Real-World Application: Children can be motivated to explore their own interests and pursue knowledge in subjects that fascinate them, whether in science, history, or any other field.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: The characters in the book often work together to excavate and study fossils, showing how teamwork can lead to greater achievements.
Real-World Application: This can be mirrored in a child’s life by encouraging them to participate in group activities and projects, teaching them the value of collaboration and collective effort.
Example Lesson: Preservation of history
Explanation: ‘Fossil’ teaches the importance of preserving historical artifacts for future generations to study and learn from.
Real-World Application: Children learn the significance of preserving their own heritage and that of others, promoting respect and understanding of diverse cultures and histories.