Kids can learn about fossils by making them.
If you are teaching elementary school children about basic geology and paleontology, the children can become disinterested if you are only lecturing to them about minerals and fossils. Instead of only teaching geology in the front of the classroom, bring the lessons to life by showing the kids make a fossil replica using craft supplies. This will allow the students to see how fossils are situated inside rock and stone in the natural world.
Instructions
1. Form 1/2 lb. of modeling clay into a ball, and cut the ball in half using a clay wire. Select any color clay you prefer.
2. Place a seashell in between the two halves of clay, and press the clay around the seashell firmly. Pull apart the halves of clay and remove the seashell to expose the impression of the shell in the clay.
3. Pour 1/2 cup of plaster of Paris in a bowl, and add in 1/4 cup of water. Mix well for 2 minutes with a spoon.
4. Pour the plaster into the impression of the shell in both halves of clay, and allow the plaster to set for 1 hour.
5. Pull the clay away from the plaster to reveal the fossil. Repeat with other types of shells if desired.
Tags: halves clay, impression shell, Pour plaster
