How Do You Make A Fossil Block?
Kids particularly love fossils, and creating mock fossils can be a fun school project. Naturally, they cannot make real fossils, as the process of replacing the original organic material with minerals takes hundreds of years. But using a mold and some plaster of paris, children can make a fossil block that they will enjoy. While the teacher can supply the Styrofoam block, modeling clay and plaster of Paris, the children can bring objects for making the mold. They might bring shells, small (clean) bones such as chicken bones, or possibly let them make a fossil using a favorite toy soldier. Cut out a block from the Styrofoam. Cut it deep enough so you can have a ridge for your fossil block. Line the bottom of the hole cut into the Styrofoam with modeling clay. Likewise, line the sides of the hole, creating a fully lined pit for the fossil block. Coat the side of the shells, bones or other objects with petroleum jelly, then press the objects into the modeling clay to make an imprint. You
