Hobbies And Interests
Fossil Excavation
Put on a staged fossil excavation for children to participate in by burying teeth, shells and other fossils in a sandbox or have them try their luck at finding fossils in the backyard. This activity will help children grasp the concept of how fossils are discovered by paleontologists across the globe and it may even spark a lifelong love of exploring their surroundings with little more than some gloves, a shovel and a magnifying glass.
Mold and Cast Fossil
Some websites offers free instructions on how to make molds and cast fossils kids can keep forever or give as gifts. Children can make their molds as big and detailed as they desire, but have them make them resemble real fossils, impressions or footprints for this activity. This is a great way to introduce kids to the different ways fossils are made in nature.
Natural History Museum
Treat youngsters to a day of checking out fossils of plants and animals that lived in your area by visiting a local natural history museum. There, children will see examples of fossilized plants, eggs, teeth, skulls and footprints, as well as complete skeletons of some of the area's deceased wildlife. You may even be able to arrange a private or guided tour for your group to give kids a chance to learn more about fossils they may find in the area.
Name by Touch
An activity that reinforces the fact that many well-known items are actually fossils, such as shells, bones and teeth, is to have children identify objects solely by touch. Place a series of paper bags in a row and have kids walk down the line, pausing to reach into each bag to feel the object and write down what they think it is. Show children what the fossilized items are and explain how each was made.