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:
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!
More on: Building Science Skills
