Support Your Lesson With a Fossils Anchor Chart

Introduce your students to the fascinating world of fossils with a colorful and easy-to-understand fossils anchor chart! Whether launching a new science unit or reinforcing vocabulary, this printable teaching tool helps students visualize and recall key concepts related to fossil types. Perfect for classroom walls, science notebooks, or small group instruction, this fossils anchor chart supports young learners as they explore Earth’s history.

Printable Fossil Anchor Chart

This printable fossil anchor chart includes labeled visuals and brief definitions of the most common types of fossils, including:

• Mold fossils
• Cast fossils
• Trace fossils
• Body or True-Form fossils

Clear, kid-friendly language and engaging illustrations make this chart ideal for Grades 3–4. Use it as a reference while teaching or a helpful guide during hands-on fossils activities for students. It’s also great for science centers or interactive notebooks!

Download Your Types of Fossils Chart

Ready to print and use, this chart is available as a high-resolution PDF or as an editable Google Slides resource file. Click the dropdown arrow on the download button to download your types of fossils anchor chart and display it during your fossil lessons, or give each student a copy to glue into their science journals.

This resource was created by Kaylyn Chupp, a teacher in Florida and Teach Starter Collaborator.

More Fossils Activities for Students

Pair your fossils anchor chart with more engaging fossils activities for students to deepen understanding, such as:

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Fossil Sort - Types of Fossils Activity

Identify and sort fossils with a hands-on, no-prep Types of Fossils Activity.

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Fossil Crossword Puzzle

Download a fossil crossword puzzle to help your 3rd and 4th graders review fossil vocabulary terms.

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Fossil Graphic Organizer Pack

Download a Fossil Graphic Organizer Pack to help your students show what they know about fossils.