Science

Fossils with AmazeLab

by Fellowship Agency December 1, 2021

Gratnells has partnered with AmazeLab to create an exclusive collection of #WhatsInMyTray​ activities.

Create your own fossils in a Gratnells tray using play doh and plaster of Paris.

Equipment:

  • Gratnells F1 tray
  • Toy dinosaur
  • Jug
  • Water
  • Play doh
  • Plaster of Paris
  • Spoon

What to do:

  • Take your play doh out of the tub creating a well shape
  • Using your dinosaur toy imprint this into the play doh
  • Mix your plaster of Paris and water in the jug using the spoon (ratios will be dependent on the make you are using, please follow instructions on the packet)
  • Pour your plaster of Paris solution into the play doh
  • Leave to set
  • Carefully remove the now fossil from the play doh

Next Steps:

  • Would you be able to make fossils/casts of other plants and animals?
  • Investigate the time it takes to set, depending on the temperature of water.

Big questions:

  • Are you able to link this investigation to change of state? What happens to your casting material?
  • How are fossils made in the ‘real world’?

Curriculum Area: Science
Topic: working scientifically, plants, everyday materials, living things and their habitats, states of matter, properties and changes of materials
Age- group: EYFS/KS1/KS2