Dinosaur Fossils

Tomorrow is dinosaur fossil-making day! We have read a number of books about dinosaurs, talked about why they are extinct, researched particular dinosaurs and started working on individual books, and read current articles about newly discovered dinosaurs.

Please remember to bring the bottom section of a milk or juice carton (gallon or half-gallon size).

The following are directions for making fossils. It costs about $6 for a carton of Plaster of Paris should you decide to do this project again at home.

Materials:

container (bottom of milk carton or jug)

sand

plaster of Paris

water

bucket, old wooden spoon or paint paddle

shells, feathers, bones, or other small items

Directions:

1. Clean the container.

2. Add a little water to the sand. When you can shape the sand into a ball and it stays together, the sand is ready.

3. Fill the bottom of your carton about halfway with sand. Press it in lightly. Smooth the top of the sand.

4. Firmly press the item you want to imprint into the sand. Carefully lift it out. You should be able to clearly see the shape of the item you used. (If not, smooth the sand and try again.)

5. Mix the plaster of Paris according to the directions on the box.

6. Carefully pour the plaster of Paris into the mold. Fill the deepest part of the mold first so no air gets trapped in it.

7. Allow the mold to dry (at least 24 hours).

8. Over a garbage can, pop the mold out of the container. Gently brush the sand off the mold.

9. You can “age” your fossil by painting it with gray or brown watercolors.