GEKA McKinnon

Make your own Fossils

GEKA McKinnon Educators

A fossil is a natural preserved remain or trace of animal or plant that lived in the geologic past. Fossils provide evidence that something has come before us, and can be a window into exploring history with children. 

You can make your own fossils and initiate discussions with the formation of fossils and

discover the stories they tell through the impressions they form.

Using objects from nature like leaves and shells you can illustrate the process

of how stories have been preserved in time from creatures that that lived long

ago.

This dough is soft and light and not as gritty as play dough. It feels great to

play with and is super easy to make. The best part is you can let it dry in the

air transforming it into lasting works of art.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Bi carb of soda

• 1 cup corn flour

• ¾ cup warm water.

• A Saucepan and spoon,

• Leaves and shells for making impressions

Method:

1. Mix all the ingredients together in your saucepan.

2. Stir over a low heat until a dough forms.

3. With the help of a parent or guardian tip out the dough. Make sure to be

careful if it is hot

4. Knead the dough.

5. Experiment with making impressions in the dough with things from your

garden and around your home.

6. Use leaves, shells, or handprints to create your own fossils and share them

with your family. What stories do they tell?