oshc activities
Dinosaur Day / Plaster Fossil Excavation

Plaster Fossil Excavation

Children chip and brush toy bones out of plaster blocks like real palaeontologists, then piece their skeleton together.

How to run it

  1. The day before, set toy bones in plaster of Paris mixed with sand in small containers.
  2. Turn out the blocks onto trays outdoors.
  3. Give children brushes and blunt tools such as spoons or pop sticks to excavate slowly.
  4. Have children clean and arrange their bones and name their dinosaur.

You will need

  • plaster of Paris
  • sand
  • toy bones
  • small containers
  • paintbrushes
  • spoons or pop sticks
  • trays
Make it easier or harderUse softer, sandier mix for younger children; older children can record a dig log with sketches.
SafetyAdults mix plaster in a ventilated area; children wear safety glasses and use blunt tools only.
My Time Our Place · Outcome 4Children persist with a careful, scientific process of discovery.

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