Science Olympiad

Fossils

Welcome to Fossils! In this event, teams identify and classify fossils and demonstrate their knowledge of ancient life. Tasks will be related to interpretation of past environments and ecosystems, adaptations, evolutionary relationships, and the use of fossils in dating and correlating rock units.

The information below should not be interpreted as an extension of the rules. You can find free online copies of the current rules for download on the 2024 Rules page of the Science Olympiad website. The official rules in the current Rules Manual take precedence.

Resources & Links

2024 Official Fossil List
Geologic Time Scale
Getting into the Fossil Record – Educational module for students in grades 5-8 and 9-12 that teaches how fossils form)
Virtual Petrified Wood Museum – Fossil identification, classification, descriptions, information about groups & Practice Tests
Fossils Facts and Finds
The Paleontology Portal – Excellent site with Fossil Gallery, Famous Fossil Locations, K-12 resources
History of Earth & Life – University of Maryland course notes
Library of Congress – Dinosaurs & Paleontology Resource Guide
Dinomaynia – National Geographic Kids
Dino Directory – Natural History Museum (London)
PBS Eons – History of life on earth series; numerous episodes
What Caused the Cambrian Explosion?
5 Major Extinctions – Bright Side
The Time Terror Birds Invaded – PBS Eons
When Sea Lizards Crushed Sea Lilies – The Mesozoic Marine Revolution
How Do We Organize the History of Life – Royal Terrell Museum
What Makes a Dinosaur a Dinosaur – Royal Terrell Museum
Fossil ID Cards
The Fossil Record - Modes of Life
Fossil Websites and Resources

SCIENCE OLYMPIAD STORE MATERIALS

PRACTICE PROBLEMS & TESTS

Coming soon!

EVENT SUPERVISOR RESOURCES

In addition to the resources on the Event Supervisors page, Fossils Event Supervisors should be sure to use the following resources:

Event Logistics Manual

CAREER CONNECTIONS

Science Olympiad Sponsors