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Fossils

by Jill Dvornik

An Imagination Station Activity
Age: 3 and up
Time: An hour or more
Type of Activity: Science, Arts and crafts

Kids young and old dream of unearthing trilobites -- and even a dinosaur bone or two -- in their own backyard. With this activity, you and your budding paleontogolists can create your own fossils, right at home

Materials needed:

  • Natural objects to fossilize, such as seashells, acorns, pinecones, etc.
  • Modeling clay
  • Waxed paper
  • Plaster of Paris
  • A mixing bowl or container

    Here's what to do:

    Step One: Place a large ball of clay on waxed paper for each item your child would like to fossilize, and flatten to a thick circle.

    Step Two: Make an impression in the clay by pressing the object into the clay and then removing the object.

    Step Three: Have an adult prepare the plaster of Paris. It should have a thick but smooth texture.

    Step Four: Spoon the plaster of Paris into each impression, filling it thoroughly.

    Step Five: Allow the plaster to dry for about an hour.

    Step Six: Peel away the clay to reveal the fossil!

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