Digging for Dinosaur Fossils



Credits: Thank you Mom Inspired Life for this genius and fun idea!

Step One: Make the "dirt" for the dinosaur fossils. In a large bowl, mix SIX cups of cornstarch with THREE cups of water to make oobleck. It should be a little bit difficult to mix, as the cornstarch dissolves completely. Pour the mixture into a 9x13 inch pan. Arrange the dinosaur fossils inside the oobleck however you'd like. Wait 2-3 days (not any longer, or it will create mold) until the oobleck is completely dry and cracked.


Step Two: Watch a Youtube video of paleontologists digging for dinosaur fossils. Ask your child which tools you have at home that could help you dig for dinosaurs. We thought of a few play dough tools (scraper and drill from our dentist play dough set), hammers and screwdrivers from our play tool set, an old toothbrush, and paint brushes. Bring the dinosaur fossils outside or in the tub for some serious dinosaur fossil excavating. 



Step Three: Use the tools to dig out the dinosaurs! This picture is one of my favorites, when my three pulled a stegosaurus fossil out. My one really enjoyed brushing the dirt with a paint brush and playing with it in his hands.


Step Four: Once the dinosaurs are all uncovered, wash them with water to remove all the extra dirt.


Step Five (Optional): Match the dinosaur fossils to play dinosaurs.


This activity was so easy to put together and a lot of fun! Both my boys (ages three and one) loved it!

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