How to Make Sand Fossils for Kids

Fossil making is a fun activity for kids of all ages. Shells, small toy footprints, and small plastic animals and dinosaurs make great fossil shapes. Some methods of fossil making include clay, but this method calls for plaster of Paris and wet sand.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Milk carton
• Scissors
• Sand
• Water
• Plastic toy
• Plaster of Paris
• Spoon
• Bowl
• Paintbrush

1. Cut away the flaps of the clean milk carton with scissors until you have a small open box even on all sides. This will act as the mold for your fossil.

2. Mix a few cups of sand with a little water in a medium-sized mixing bowl. The sand should be wet but not soaked; the goal is to make an imprint in its surface.

3. Fill the carton 2/3 full with wet sand. The top of the wet sand should be smooth and even.

4. Push plastic dinosaur straight down into the sand, and then remove carefully. Check that your imprint is clear and defined; you can always smooth down the surface and try again.

5. Pour plaster of Paris (mixed according to the directions on the side of the container) over the sand imprint until you have a smooth surface.

6. Let dry for at least 30 minutes. The time may be shorter or longer depending on room temperature and thickness of plaster.

7. Peel away the milk carton and brush the sand off plaster using a dry paintbrush.

Tips & Warnings

• If one person mixes the plaster while the other mixes the sand and distributes it among children, it will save time.
• Have the children save their milk cartons from lunch that day without telling them why; it adds to the fun and excitement of the project.