PDF download Download Article PDF download Download Article

Making fossils is a great way to get your child involved in science and history in a creative, fun fashion. It's cheap and easy to create your own replicas with a minimum of skill and material. Here's how to get started.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

As An Imprint

PDF download Download Article
  1. This can get a little messy (especially if there are children around), so lay down some newspapers, put away any objects you don't want to get gooey, and grab your essentials. You'll need:
    • A small natural object (shell, leaf, bone, etc.)
    • Petroleum jelly
    • Plaster of Paris
    • Water
    • Small disposable dish or Tupperware container (such as a margarine tub)
  2. Any object from nature works -- shells, leafs, and animal bones are all good choices. If you do choose a leaf, make sure it's not dry and crackly. It must also fit in your container![1]
    Advertisement
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make Fossils Using Plaster of Paris
    This will keep the object from sticking to the plaster when you try to remove it. Coat it thoroughly!
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make Fossils Using Plaster of Paris
    Follow the directions on the plaster of Paris packaging. Mix them together thoroughly and let the concoction sit for a few minutes without stirring.[2]
    • You should need about 2x more water than plaster, but you can adjust the ratio as you see fit.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Make Fossils Using Plaster of Paris
    Be careful not to push too hard! Now your part is done; all it has to do is dry. Set it aside and revisit it tomorrow; drying will take at least one day.
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Make Fossils Using Plaster of Paris
    After you've waited 24 hours, pop your natural item out of the plaster of Paris and voila! There's your fossil! It's just like a shell was enveloped in soil for thousands of years, disintegrated, and left behind this image.[3]
  7. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

As A 3D Object

PDF download Download Article
  1. You'll be working with modeling clay and plaster, so, needless to say, this isn't the cleanest of projects. Lay some newspapers down and let's get started. You'll need:
    • Plaster of Paris
    • Water
    • Modeling clay
    • Petroleum jelly
    • Small natural objects such as sea shells
    • Paper cups
    • Plastic spoons
    • Newspaper or paper towels
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make Fossils Using Plaster of Paris
    Use 1 part plaster of Paris to 2 parts water and mix well in a paper cup with a plastic spoon. Let it sit while you work with the clay.
  3. Generally, leaves, shells, branches, or bones work best. Just make sure you have enough clay and plaster to cover it.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make Fossils Using Plaster of Paris
    This will be what your object rests and forms an impression in. It needs to be kneaded until it can cover the area of your object.[4]
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Make Fossils Using Plaster of Paris
    Firmly yet slowly press it into the modeling clay to make an impression. The petroleum jelly prevents it from sticking to the clay, so be generous.[5]
    • Remove the object carefully to create a mold in the shape of the item you used.
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Make Fossils Using Plaster of Paris
    Smooth the plaster to the level of the clay to form a flat surface.[6]
    • Place your clay and plaster mold on a newspaper, paper towel, or other disposable surface and allow it to harden. You'll need to wait at least overnight, but 2 or 3 days is preferable and safer.
  7. Watermark wikiHow to Make Fossils Using Plaster of Paris
    The shape of your object should be recreated in the plaster, details intact.[7]
  8. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
Advertisement

Video

Tips

Submit a Tip
All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
Name
Please provide your name and last initial
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
Advertisement

You Might Also Like

Advertisement

About This Article

Amy Guerrero
Co-authored by:
Arts & Crafts Specialist
This article was co-authored by Amy Guerrero. Amy Guerrero is an Arts and Crafts Specialist and the Owner of Sunshine Craft Co., a crafting studio based in Phoenix, Arizona. Amy specializes in macrame, DIY crafting, and teaching fiber arts. She offers monthly in-person and online workshops along with having developed a range of DIY craft kits for at-home projects. Amy holds a BS in Industrial Design from Philadelphia University. She worked as a graphic designer before starting her own business. Sunshine Craft Co. is a creative hub that offers a wide range of workshops, tools, and resources for any craft project to inspire creativity and community engagement. This article has been viewed 133,507 times.
47 votes - 76%
Co-authors: 19
Updated: January 5, 2023
Views: 133,507
Categories: Science for Kids
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 133,507 times.

Reader Success Stories

  • Rylee Jones

    Rylee Jones

    May 28, 2020

    "This helped my mother do the exact thing. Our fossils came out perfectly! Thank you so much! I'd do anything..." more
Share your story

Did this article help you?

Advertisement