Super Simple Fossil Projects: Science Activities for Future Paleontologists

May 15, 2018
Grades 1-3 Introductory material covers fossils, fossil types, how, where, when, why, and so what. Once these basics are addressed, using engaging and accessible language, pages progress into satisfyingly simple, gooey, and fun art projects. Six activities, requiring anywhere from about an hour to a couple days to complete (the longer time requirements are mostly spent waiting for results to harden), include a list of needed ingredients, step-by-step directions, and full-color photos that align perfectly with instructions. Required materials are pretty standard: clay, food coloring, sponges, plaster of paris, and so on, with an occasional surprise, such as Borax Detergent Booster. Younger children will require supervision, but upper-elementary students should be able to proceed independently. Kids learn what kind of modern-day fossil they're creating, imitate natural processes, and most important, get gratifying results (the amber fossil slime seems especially intriguing). Whether to supplement classroom science units or for use at home by burgeoning paleontologists, this is a handy and worthwhile guide.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2018, American Library Association.)