Fossil Cast Activity
Name ____________________________________
6th Grade PSI Science
Topic
This activity explores how fossils are created and the techniques scientists use to recover them.
In this activity student will create their own fossil, create a cast and then bury the fossil for others
to excavate.
Activity 1 – Create a fossil and a cast
Materials

Tray

Plasticine, play dough or similar material

2 Cups

Object to create fossil impression (action figure, toy animal, classroom object, ect)

Plaster of Paris

Water

Tubs

Soil or sand

Excavating tools (toothbrush, picks, tweezers, ect)
Directions
1. Using your mold material (Plasticine, play dough or similar material) press a small
amount into the bottom of a cup.
2. Select an object to press into the material to create an impression. Hold for 10 seconds
and remove carefully.
3. Mix up a half a cup of Plaster of Paris and stir until smooth. Let sit for 2 minutes.
4. Pour the plaster mixture on the mold you made, let sit overnight.
5. When the mold has dried, remove the mold from the cup.
6. Bury the mold in a tub and cover with soil/sand.
7. Switch tubs with another group and excavate the fossil.
www.njctl.org
6th Grade PSI
Evidence of Common Ancestry
Questions and Reflections
1. How is a fossil created? Was your process similar or different?
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2. What does a paleontologist do?
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3. As you excavate your fossil record your data and findings on the chart below.
What does your fossil
look like? Describe the
fossils shape, size, texture,
color, ect.
What type of
animal/creature do you
think it is?
www.njctl.org
6th Grade PSI
Evidence of Common Ancestry
4. Draw a picture of the fossil on the grid. Label relevant details and features.
www.njctl.org
6th Grade PSI
Evidence of Common Ancestry