A.

TITLE
IDENTIFICATION OF FOSSIL SAMPLES

B. OBJECTIVE
1. Students are able to identify fossil
2. Students are able to understand the meaning of fossils
3. Students are able to know the parts of fossils
4. Students are able to know the types of fossils
5. Students are able to know the age of fossils
6. Students are able to explain the factors of fossil formation

C. TOOLS AND MATERIALS

TOOLS
1. Oven
2. Collider cup
3. Small size porcelain cup
4. Burlap needle
5. Sample container
6. Filter paper
7. Sieve
8. Geological hammer
9. Smartphone
10. Laptop

MATERIAL
1. Sediment rock
2. HCL liquid
3. Cover paper
4. HVS paper
D. BASIC THEORY
1. Definition of Fossil
A fossil is the remains, traces, or imprints of plants, animals, and organisms that have
turned into stone due to various chemical and physical processes within the Earth.
Fossils are typically found in sedimentary rocks.
According to the Geological Dictionary, fossils are the remains or traces of organisms
that lived in the past, which have undergone mineralization processes and are
embedded in rocks or sedimentary deposits.
Stephen Jay Gould, fossils are records of the history of life on Earth, encompassing
traces of organisms that lived in the distant past and have undergone transformation
from organic materials into minerals.
According to Geologist William Smith, fossils are the remnants of long-dead
organisms, embedded in different layers of rock, used to identify the age of rocks and
understand geological history.

2. Fossilization processes
Fossilization is any process that involves the accumulation of animals or plants in
sediments, which accumulate and undergo preservation of all or part of their bodies
and in their tracks. fossilization processes include:
1) Mineralization: This is one of the fundamental processes in fossilization. It involves
the gradual replacement of organic materials with minerals, most commonly silica,
calcite, or iron compounds. As the organic material decays, minerals precipitate into
the voids, gradually turning the remains into stone.
2) Petrification: Petrification is a specific form of mineralization in which organic
material is replaced by minerals while retaining the original external shape and
internal structure of the organism. This can result in highly detailed and well-
preserved fossils.
3) Permineralization: Permineralization is a process where minerals fill the pores and
spaces within the organic material. Over time, this results in a solid fossil, with the
internal structures preserved.
4) Carbonization: In this process, the organic material, such as plant leaves, is
compressed and heated, leaving behind a thin carbon film impression on the rock,
often referred to as a carbonaceous film.
5) Recrystallization: Some fossils can undergo recrystallization, wherein the minerals
present within the fossil are reorganized and recrystallized over time. This can
sometimes obscure fine details but still preserve the overall shape.
6) Replacement: In this process, the original organic material is completely removed and
replaced by new minerals. The fossil essentially consists of entirely new mineral
material with the shape and texture of the original organism.
7) Mummification: While less common, certain conditions can lead to the
mummification of organisms, especially in arid or frozen environments. In these cases,
the organisms are desiccated, and their soft tissues are preserved.
8) Trace Fossil Formation: Not all fossils are the remains of the organisms themselves.
Trace fossils are the preserved traces left by organisms, such as footprints, burrows,
and coprolites (fossilized excrement).

3. Benefit of Fossil

1) Scientific Understanding: Fossils provide invaluable insights into Earth's history, the
evolution of life on our planet, and the ancient environments in which these organisms
lived. They help scientists study the development of species, anatomical changes, and
the impact of environmental changes on life forms over geological time.
2) Evolutionary Studies: Fossils are essential for understanding the theory of evolution.
They provide a direct record of past life forms, showing the progression of species
over millions of years. This helps scientists trace the lineage of modern organisms and
understand the origins of biodiversity.
3) Resource Exploration: Fossils can indicate the presence of hydrocarbon deposits, such
as oil and natural gas. By studying the types of fossils in certain rock formations,
geologists can make informed decisions about where to explore for valuable resources.
4) Cultural and Artistic Value: Fossils have cultural and artistic value. They are often
featured in museums, art, and literature. They can serve as symbols of our connection
to Earth's deep history and inspire awe and wonder.
4. Table of Fossil Age
5. Fossilization requirement condition
1) Rapid Burial: The most critical condition for fossilization is rapid burial. When an
organism dies, it must be quickly covered by sediments like mud, sand, or volcanic
ash. This rapid burial prevents scavengers and decomposition from destroying the
remains.
2) Mineralization: Over time, the buried organic material undergoes a process of
mineralization. Minerals from the surrounding sediment gradually replace the organic
materials in the remains. This process can result in the formation of a fossil.
3) Protection from Decomposers: The rapid burial not only prevents scavengers from
accessing the remains but also inhibits the activity of decomposers like bacteria and
fungi. This protection allows the organic materials to be preserved.
4) Hard Parts: Fossilization is more likely to occur with organisms that have hard parts
such as bones, shells, or teeth. These hard parts are more resistant to decomposition
and have a higher chance of fossilization.
5) Sedimentary Environment: Fossils are most commonly found in sedimentary rocks,
which are formed from the accumulation of sediments over time. Sedimentary
 environments like riverbeds, lakes, swamps, or ocean floors are conducive to
fossilization.
6) Time: Fossilization is a slow process that can take millions of years. It requires
geological processes to turn the sediments into rock and for the minerals to replace the
organic material.
7) Lack of Oxygen: Fossilization is more likely to occur in environments with limited
oxygen. Anaerobic conditions slow down decomposition and promote preservation.
8) Taphonomy: Taphonomy is the study of what happens to an organism's remains from
the time of death until they are discovered as fossils. It includes factors like how the
remains were transported, the chemistry of the surrounding environment, and the
actions of other organisms in the area.

6. Factors affecting the formation of fossils

1) Sedimentary Environment: Fossils are predominantly found in sedimentary rocks.
Sedimentary environments such as riverbeds, lakes, swamps, and ocean floors are
conducive to fossilization as they involve the accumulation of sediments over time.
2) Mineralization: Over time, the organic material in the remains of an organism is
gradually replaced by minerals from the surrounding sediment. This process, known as
mineralization, is essential for the formation of fossils.
3) Time: Fossilization is a slow process that can take millions of years. Geological
processes are required to transform the sediments into rock and allow for the
replacement of organic materials with minerals.
4) Climate and Environmental Conditions: Climate and environmental conditions can
influence fossilization. For instance, arid and extremely cold conditions can mummify
organisms, preserving their soft tissues. Conversely, wet or waterlogged environments
can promote the preservation of entire organisms.
5) Biological Characteristics: Some organisms are more likely to fossilize due to their
biological characteristics. For example, organisms with a high reproductive rate are
more likely to leave behind a greater number of remains, increasing the chances of
fossilization.
6) Sediment Type: The type of sediment in which an organism is buried can affect
fossilization. Fine-grained sediments, such as silt and clay, can provide better
preservation than coarse-grained sediments.
E. WORK STEPS
1. Students and practicum assitants prepare tools and materials that will be used in Basic
Geology practicum.
2. Students listen to explanation from Basic Geology practicum assistants.
3. Students record important things conveyed by Basic Geology practicum assistants.
4. Students are divided into four groups.
5. Students follow the step-by-step instructions given by the practicum assistants.
6. Students take photos of each step of fossil hunting.
7. Students ask the practicum assitants about things they do not understand.
8. Students search for references from various sources to compile their practicum report.
9. Students compile their practicum report.
10. Students give the report to the practicum assitants on time.
F. DISCUSSION
1. Observation Result
STEP 1
Strike sedimentary rock with a hammer until it forms small stones.

STEP 2
If sedimentary rocks have started to take on a smaller form, you can place them in a
mortar to make the sedimentary rocks finer.
STEP 3

If the sedimentary rocks have become fine, add hydrochloric acid (HCl) to the mortar.

(HCL SOLUTIONS)
STEP 4
Stir the liquid continuously until you observe a slight foaming or bubbling.

STEP 5
Filter the liquid
STEP 6
Place the filtered material into a filter paper, add water, and then put the paper on top of a
glass until the water inside the paper is gone.

STEP 7
Put the filtered material into an oven for 15 minutes.

STEP 8
After 15 minutes, remove the filter from the oven and place the resulting material into a
container. Then, clean it from any impurities or contaminants.
STEP 9
Put the cleaned result into a vial bottle.
G. CONCLUSION
Fossils are the preserved remains, traces, or imprints of ancient organisms that have
undergone a variety of processes to become mineralized and embedded in sedimentary
rocks. These fossils are invaluable for scientific understanding, evolutionary studies,
resource exploration, and hold cultural and artistic value. Fossilization is a complex
process that involves specific conditions, including rapid burial, mineralization, protection
from decomposers, the presence of hard parts, a sedimentary environment, time, a lack of
oxygen, affecting the formation of fossils include the sedimentary environment,
mineralization, time, climate and environmental conditions, biological characteristics, and
sediment type. Overall, fossils provide a window into the history of life on Earth and are
crucial for our understanding of evolution, geology, and the ancient environments that
shaped our planet. They continue to inspire awe and curiosity while contributing
significantly to our knowledge of the natural world.
Discovering fossils entails a series of steps. To begin, gather the necessary tools and
materials like a geological hammer, containers holding sedimentary rocks, mortar, and
cloth. Subsequently, fragment the sedimentary rocks into smaller pieces, which will
undergo further crushing in the mortar. Following that, intensify the crushing of rocks in
the mortar, being cautious not to harm any potential fossils. As the rocks become
adequately crushed, gradually introduce an HCl solution while stirring in the mortar, a
critical step for eliminating impurities from the sedimentary rocks. Once the sediment
solution takes on a chalky appearance and the foam diminishes, employ filters of varying
sizes to unveil the fossils. Filters are available in three sizes: large for coarse sedimentary
rocks, medium for smaller rocks where fossils remain concealed, and the smallest for the
actual fossils. If foam persists or fossils are still hidden, steps three to five can be repeated.
Upon the fossils becoming visible, rinse them with plain water. Once you are certain the
fossils are free from chalk and HCl solution, position them on filter paper to separate them
from any remaining water. Next, place the fossils in an oven and wait for 15 minutes.
After the 15-minute interval, transfer the fossils to a small porcelain cup, which is then
placed inside a small tube. This process ultimately reveals fossils that are clearly visible,
appearing as small black and primarily white rocks.
In summary, the procedure for hunting fossils encompasses breaking down sedimentary
rocks, utilizing acid solutions (such as HCl) to eliminate undesirable substances, and
systematically filtering to isolate fossils from rock residues and solutions. The end result
is fossils that are prepared for examination and research, enriching our understanding of
geological history and past life.
 BIBLIOGRAPHY
Smith, J. (2023). Fossils: A Window into Earth's History. Fossil Enthusiast.
https://www.fossilenthusiast.com/fossil-history (acceses on 23 october 2023)
National Geographic. (2019). The Science of Fossils: Unearthing Clues to the Past. National
Geographic. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/fossils/ (acceses on 23
october 2023)
Roberts, D., & Brown, K. (2018). Taphonomy and Preservation of Marine Invertebrate
Fossils. Journal of Earth Sciences
Roberts, D., & Wilson, K. (2018). Tales of Ancient Life: Fossils and Their Stories. Oxford
University Press.
Johnson, R., & Brown, S. (2019). Fossils and Evolution: A Comprehensive Introduction.
Cambridge University Press.