Dinosaurs are a hot topic for junior scientists! Do you have a young paleontologist in the making? What does a paleontologist do? They discover and study dinosaur bones of course! You are definitely going to want to set up this must-try dinosaur dig activity for preschool, kindergarten, and older. Learn about how fossils are formed, and dig up a dinosaur!

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Get creative with a homemade dinosaur dig, the kids will be eager to explore! Find the hidden dinosaur fossils, one of many fun dinosaur activities for kids.

Find our step-by-step guide below to make your own dinosaur fossils. Learn about how fossils are formed and then get into your own dinosaur dig. Let’s get started!

How Are Fossils Formed?

Most fossils are formed when a plant or animal dies in a watery environment and then is rapidly buried in mud and silt. The soft parts of the plants and animals break down, leaving the hard bones or shells behind.

TIP: Learn more here – What are fossils?

Over time, small sediment particles build up over the top and harden into rock. These clues of the remains of these animals and plants are preserved for scientists to find thousands of years later. These types of fossils are called body fossils.

Sometimes only the activity of the plants and animals are left behind. These types of fossil are called trace fossils. Think about footprints, burrows, trails, food remains etc.

Another fun way to explore fossils with kids is to make Salt Dough Dinosaur Fossils.

Some other ways fossilization can happen are rapid freezing, being preserved in amber (the resin of trees), drying, casting and molding and compacting.

Dinosaur Dig Activity

Re-create what happens when fossils are formed with this fun dino dig activity!

Supplies:

  • Baking soda
  • Cornstarch
  • Water
  • Coffee Grounds (optional)
  • Plastic dinosaurs
  • Kids tools
  • Oven-safe container

Instructions:

STEP 1. Mix 1 cup corn starch and ½ cup baking soda together. Optional – mix in 1 to 2 tablespoons of coffee grounds for color.

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STEP 2. Add enough water to make a thick sludge consistency. Similar to the consistency of our oobleck.

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STEP 3. Now to make your dinosaur fossils. Submerge the dinosaurs in the mixture.

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STEP 4. Cook in a low oven at 250F or 120C until the mixture hardens. Ours took about an hour.

STEP 5.  Once it is cooled, invite your kiddos to go on a dinosaur dig!

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Small spoons and forks, as well as paint brushes are great tools to use for excavating your fossils!

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Printable Dinosaur Activities Pack

Get all the instructions and activities in our Dinosaur Project Pack. Plus, find free early-learning dinosaur activities to keep the kiddos busy!