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Fossils for Dinosaur Dig
(part of Discovering Dinosaurs Unit)

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Children need time to explore their world. While they are focused on their goal of finding a dinosaur fossil, they are also learning about the world around them.

As an optional activity, you may want to make a plaster foot print of your child's foot for a memento while you are making the other plaster models.


Make Fossils


Materials for Casting Dinosaur Bones:
Plaster of Paris
play dough (store bought or homemade)
plastic toy
bones from a Cornish hen or a chicken
sea shells
toothpick or skewer
small recyclable container (that will fit into a shoe box if you are doing the dig inside)

  1. Prior to making the fossils, cook the meat off the chicken bones or Cornish hens by boiling them.  Allow to air dry.  You'll use these bones to replicate the dinosaur bones.  They work really well.
  2. Make your own play dough with your kids or use store bought play dough.  They love working the dough and it's fun. 
  3. Flatten a piece of play dough on a flat surface until it is approximately 2" bigger than the size dinosaur you want to create.
  4. Turn the play dough over to use the smooth, flat side to press the bones into. 
  5. These two pictures are Cornish Hen bones lined up to form a miniature dinosaur.  Once you know how you want to arrange the bones, place the bones into the play dough and press down.  You want a deep impression.
    Using cornish hen bones lay them out in the shape of a T-Rex, then make an imprint in play dough to make a fossil Using cornish hen bones lay them out in the shape of a pterodactyl, then make an imprint in play dough to make a fossil
  6. When you are done and are happy with the "dinosaur", place it carefully into the recycled container.  If you are not happy with the outcome, simply flatten the play dough and try again.  Make as many fossils for the dig as you need.
  7. Press the play dough so it sticks to the bottom of the container.  You want it to stick and not float up when you add the Plaster of Paris. 
  8. Mix the Plaster of Paris according to the directions on the box and only when all the fossils are ready because it starts to harden immediately. 
  9. Carefully pour enough Plaster of Paris to cover the impression.  Make sure that the plaster is about a half inch thick.  Too thin and it will break when it is dug up. 
  10. If the instructions say to tap to get rid of air bubbles, do so lightly, otherwise the play dough may peel off from the bottom and you'll have your play dough completely encased in Plaster of Paris.
  11. Let the fossil set overnight to dry.
  12. If you are using homemade play dough, dig out the fossil the next day.  It is moister than store bought and it causes the Plaster of Paris to start to break down.
  13. Using a toothpick or skewer, carefully dig out the play dough from around the Plaster of Paris.  You'll be left with your fossil.
  14. On the day of the dig you will put the fossil inside a hole that you have dug in your garden or in a pot or just placed in a shoe box if you are doing the dig inside.
  15. Just a precaution: when working with Plaster of Paris DO NOT rinse the containers in the sink when you are cleaning up.  The plaster can set in your pipes and cause big problems.  Use containers that can be thrown out when you are done.
template of a stegasaurus, that will be used to make an imprint in play dough to make a fossil

pdf

 template of a triceratops, that will be used to make an imprint in play dough to make a fossil

pdf

 template of a apatosaurus, that will be used to make an imprint in play dough to make a fossil

pdf
using a template of a stegasaurus make an imprint in play dough to make a fossil after using a template of a stegasaurus, use cornish hen bones in the play dough to make the imprint look more realistic then make the fossil Plaster of Paris is poured on the play dough imprint
stegasaurus fossil pterodactyl fossil child looking for fossil

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Set-up Dinosaur Fossil Dig


child digging for homemade fossil

Materials:
shovel to dig hole
pre-made "fossil"

The morning of the dig you will bury the fossils. You'll want your child to have to do some digging but not so much that you'll end up doing all of it for her!

  1. The dig can be located in a sand box, a corner of your garden, inside a pot or inside a shoe box.
  2. Once the hole is big enough for the fossil, place the "fossil" that you made into the hole.
  3. Then replace the dirt into the hole. The dirt will be soft and easy to dig through for your child.
  4. Top with leaves, grass or sticks to make it look natural.

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Re-enforcement Activities


Materials for Casting Child's Foot Print:
Plaster of Paris
play dough (store bought or homemade)
recyclable container that your child's foot will fit inside

After making the fossil, your child might be interested in making her own foot print.

  1. Have your child determine what recyclable container will fit her foot.
  2. Have her kneed the play dough before putting it into the container.
  3. The play dough needs to extend an inch from the edge of her foot so you can turn up the edges.
  4. When she feels she has enough play dough, have her place her bare foot into the play dough and press down. You may need to press her toes in deeper to get a good impression.
  5. Have her gently remove her foot. If the impression isn't clear or the play dough is too thin in areas, re flatten the play dough and try again.
  6. Once you have the foot print the way you want it, turn up the edges of the play dough a little to make a wall for the plaster. It keeps the plaster over the foot area only; otherwise, the overall shape will be the shape of your container.

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Think About It!

Some questions that might be asked:

  1. Is it hard to dig? (Is your yard hard packed or soft and sandy? Have your child describe it in her own words.)
  2. When your child finds other things in the ground: sticks, pebbles, insects, what is that from? How do you think it got in the ground?

September 12, 2008

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