Materials
empty tissue boxesconstruction papercrayons and broken crayonschild-safe scissorsglue
Instructions
1. Talk with the children about what
is found at the seashore.
Make a list of their
responses.
2. Show the children
some items that
could be found on
a beach, such as
shells, sand, a
bucket, and so on.
3. Talk about beach
fossils in simple
terms. Show some
pictures, if available.
Explain that they will
be making their own
beach fossils out of
playdough.
4. Let the children help mix the
playdough. Mix together 1 cup flour, 1 cup water, 1/2 cup of salt, 2
tablespoons cream of tartar, and 1 tablespoon of oil.
5. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring until stiff.
Safety Note: This is an adult-only step. Do this step away from the
children. If you do not have a stove, make the playdough at home.
6. Allow the playdough to cool before letting the children handle it.
7. Once the playdough is cool, add yellow food coloring, gold glitter,
coconut extract, and sand to the mixture. Knead the playdough until it
is soft and workable.
18. Give each child a ball of playdough. Have them flatten it with their
hands.
19. Let the children choose items that they would like to make fossils
with. Guide them in gently placing seashells, shark teeth, or a starfish,
into the playdough to make fossils.
10. Allow three days for the fossils to dry.