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How to Make a Geologist's Dig for Kids

Encourage children to get their hands dirty as they dig for artifacts with this interactive science project. Geology is the study of the Earth by analyzing different layers of rock. Explain to children that geologists can interpret the Earth's history through the artifacts left on each layer of rock, including fossils and skeletal remains. Each artifact provides detailed explanations about the life forms that existed during a particular time period. As the kids enjoy getting to search for buried treasures, they will also discover more about geology and earth science.

Things You'll Need

Modeling clay
12 leaves, tree cones and shells
Aluminum foil
Plaster of Paris
Plastic disposable bowl
Paint stirring stick
Plastic spoon
12 plastic dinosaur bones
12 geodes or brightly colored rocks
Outdoor sandbox
25 pounds soil (optional)
4 wood boards, 4-by-4-by-4 (optional)
4 small plastic shovels
Bone-shaped dog biscuits (optional)

Instructions

Form the Fossils
- 1
  Take 12 handfuls of modeling clay. Flatten each ball of clay into a 1-inch thick form.
- 2
  Press a leaf, tree cone or shell in the center of each piece of clay; do not press the object all the way through the clay. Remove each object carefully so the impressions are intact.
- 3
  Cover your work surface with aluminum foil. Place the clay forms, impression-side up, on the foil, which is going to protect your work area from the plaster in case of accidental leaks.
- 4
  Mix Plaster of Paris with water, according to the packaging instructions, in a plastic disposable bowl using a paint-stirring stick.
- 5
  Use a plastic spoon to fill the clay forms with plaster. Allow the plaster to dry completely. Peel the clay forms off of the plaster pieces to reveal your fossil.
Prep the Site
- 6
  Remove any toys or trash from an outdoor sandbox. Alternatively, use the 4-by-4 wood boards to create a dig site. Cover the bordered ground with 25 pounds of soil.
- 7
  Bury the 12 homemade fossils, 12 plastic dinosaur bones, and 12 geodes or other brightly colored rocks at various depths throughout the sand or soil.
- 8
  Provide four children each with a small plastic shovel and instruct them to dig carefully as they search for the fossils and bones.

Artifacts