The Case of the Missing Fossil

What evidence from the story shows that Amy was worried about the missing fossils?

• She helped Tess serve breakfast.

• She searched around the camp for clues after breakfast.

• She sat quietly and waited for Dr. Forester’s instructions.

• She asked Julian to check the trucks for missing tools.

Which TWO sentences best summarize the main ideas of the story?

• The camp is attacked by wild animals during the night.

• Fossils are stolen from the camp, and Amy tries to find clues.

• Julian saves Amy from a snake while she looks for evidence.

• The team packs up and leaves the fossil site quickly.

• Dr. Forester teaches the group how to protect fossils with plaster jackets.

Why does Dr. Forester believe the thieves will not return?

• Because it rained and covered their tracks.

• Because they had already stolen all the fossils.

• Because the camp was now guarded.

• Because the sheriff had already caught them.

In the sentence, "They mixed plaster of Paris with water, which caused a chemical change—it gave off heat as it hardened into a solid," what does the word "hardened" most likely mean?

• Grew colder

• Became softer
  

• Turned solid

• Changed color

How are Amy and Julian different in how they respond to the missing fossils?

• Amy is suspicious and looks for clues; Julian is quiet and avoids talking.

• Both are excited and start searching for new fossils.

• Amy is angry, while Julian makes jokes about the thieves.

• Julian calls the sheriff immediately, while Amy hides.

What inference can you make about Julian based on his actions after the fossils are reported stolen?

• Julian is excited to help find the thieves.

• Julian may know more about the missing fossils than he says.

• Julian is too scared to help the others.

• Julian wants to leave the camp immediately.

Which statement best identifies two main ideas of the passage?

• A suspicious SUV circled the camp, and Amy caught the thieves

• Fossils are stolen from the camp, and Amy uses detective skills to look for clues.

• Dr. Forester teaches the group about fossil hunting, and a heavy storm destroys the camp.

• The sheriff arrests the thieves, and Amy finds a snake near the camp.

In the passage, what does the word "plaster jacket" most likely refer to?

• A jacket worn by fossil hunters.

• A protective layer made of plaster around a fossil.

• A raincoat made of plaster.

• A heavy sack used to carry fossils.

How does Amy's approach to the missing fossils differ from the way the rest of the group responds?

• Amy wants to call the sheriff immediately, while the others try to find the fossils themselves.

• Amy ignores the missing fossils, while the others investigate.

• Amy actively looks for evidence, while the others accept the loss and move on.

• Amy is angry, while the others are happy the fossils are gone.

What reason does Dr. Forester give for believing the thieves will not return?

• The weather made it too dangerous to steal again.

• The team would now guard the camp.

• The thieves had already stolen all the fossils they wanted.

• The sheriff was already investigating the case.