TRADITIONAL ASSESSMENT

Third Grade

LAINEY LOSEKAMP
DECEMBER 8, 2014
Introduction into Scientific Inquiry with Dr. Todd Bowers

Unit Test on Earth Science: Fossils

This test will cover what we have learned about fossils this last couple
of weeks. Read questions carefully and take your time with the test.
Turn in the test to the basket in front of the classroom.
Multiple Choice: Carefully read each question and then circle the
letter of the correct answer.
1. What is a fossil?
a. the remains or impression of an animal or plant that lived a long time
age that has been preserved
b. dinosaurs
c. a quarry
2. What do fossils tell us?
a. Fossils tell us about fossil fuels
b. Fossils tell us about plants and animal life that once existed a long time
ago
c. Fossils tell us about how quarries are created
3. What are the three types of fossils?
a. Molds, casts, preserved parts
b. Mud, dirt, rock
c. Triceratops, Tyrannosaurus Rex, and Brontosaurus
4. The scientist found a fossil of a Tyrannosaurus Rex. The word fossil means:
a. A part of a dinosaur

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b. A part of a quarry
c. The hardened remains of an animal that lived long ago.
5. Which would be an example of a fossil?
a. A leaf
b. A dinosaur footprint
c. Limestone

True and False Statements: Carefully read each statement.

Write T if the statement is true about fossils and F if the statement
is false. Write the correct answer for the false statements about
fossils.
6. Fossils are living things such as plants and animals

_______________

7. Fossils only come from dinosaurs that once lived on the Earth_____________
8. Fossils are bones, footprints, and leaf impressions_________________
9. A paleontologist studies fossils____________
10. Sedimentary rock is the best type of rock to discover fossils____________

Short-Answer: Carefully read and answer the short-answer

question or statement. Make sure to explain your answer clear
and concise. Answers should be written in one or two
sentences.

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11. Why are fossils found in sedimentary rock?

12. Describe the job of a paleontologist.

13. Where are prehistoric animals preserved as whole animals?

Essay Questions: For the two essay questions, read and answer
them carefully. Make sure to explain your answer in three to
five sentences.

14. There are three types of fossils. Explain each different type of fossil.

15. Describe the job of a paleontologist.

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Third Grade

Answer Key: Unit Test on Fossils

1. A

2. B

3. A

4. C

5. B

6. F

7. F

8. T

9.

10. T

11. Sedimentary rocks form on Earths surface where living things are. When living things die
they fall into the sediment/dirt and become part of the rock

12. A scientist who studies fossils. Answers will vary.

13. Prehistoric animals are preserved in amber as whole animals. For example insects.

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14. -molds- A cavity or opening in a rock that has the shape of once living things.

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imprints of leaves and other thin objects, such as wings, feathers, and footprints.

Casts- A mold that has been filled in with sediments which harden and take the shape of the
once living thing.

Preserved parts- Actual parts of the living thing such as shells, bones, or teeth that have
turned to stone.

15. -studies fossils.

16. -might range from bacteria to giant dinosaurs

17. -work to discover history of animals and plants that lived long ago. Answers will vary

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