Fossils For Kids: Go On A Dino Dig!

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 activity for preschool, kindergarten, and beyond. What’s your kids’ favorite dinosaur?

LEARN ABOUT FOSSILS WITH AN AWESOME DINO DIG

FOSSILS FOR KIDS

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. Our science activities are designed with you, the parent or teacher, in mind. Easy to set up, quick to do, most activities will take only 15 to 30 minutes to complete and are heaps of fun. Plus, our supplies lists usually contain only free or cheap materials you can source from home. Find out how to make your own dinosaur fossils below with our step by step guide. 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. Over time, small particles called sediment 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 type 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. ALSO CHECK OUT: Salt Dough Dinosaur Fossils Some other ways fossilization can happen is through rapid freezing, being preserved in amber (the resin of trees), drying, cast and molds and being compacted.

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DINO DIG ACTIVITY

YOU WILL NEED:

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

supplies for dino dig include cornstarch, flour, water, coffee grounds, and dinosaurs

HOW TO MAKE FOSSILS STEP BY STEP

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.

Adding coffee grounds to mixture for color

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

Adding water to cornstarch and coffee grounds

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

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!