UKS2 Topic: Dinosaurs and Fossils Block A: Fossils and Rocks Session 3
How to make a cast fossil
A cast fossil happens when the structure of the dead organism is filled with
mineral-water. All sorts of organisms have been fossilised….
…including dinosaur poo!
www.friendsofwhitcliffecommon.org.uk
www.paleo.cc/fossils/coprolites.htm
This is how to make your own cast fossil dinosaur
poo:
1. You will need newspaper, sticky tape, modroc
and warm water.
2. Scrunch the newspaper up and wrap sticky tape
all around to create the right shape.
3. Cut the modroc into sheets, dip in a bowl of warm water and wrap over
the newspaper.
© Original resource copyright Hamilton Trust, who give permission for it to be adapted as wished by individual users.
We refer you to our warning, at the foot of the block overview, about links to other websites.
UKS2 Topic: Dinosaurs and Fossils Block A: Fossils and Rocks Session 3
How to make a mould fossil
A mould fossil is formed by the
impression left in rock by the
remains of an organism.
www.eps.utk.edu/eps102.php
This is how to make your own mould fossil:
1. You will need air drying clay and
plastic dinosaurs, plastic bones, shells
and leaves.
2. Press the clay down flat with the
palm of your hand
© Original resource copyright Hamilton Trust, who give permission for it to be adapted as wished by individual users.
We refer you to our warning, at the foot of the block overview, about links to other websites.
UKS2 Topic: Dinosaurs and Fossils Block A: Fossils and Rocks Session 3
3. Press an object into the clay.
4. Carefully take it out to reveal
the mould of the shape. You have
made a mould fossil!
What else could you press into the clay?
© Original resource copyright Hamilton Trust, who give permission for it to be adapted as wished by individual users.
We refer you to our warning, at the foot of the block overview, about links to other websites.
UKS2 Topic: Dinosaurs and Fossils Block A: Fossils and Rocks Session 3
How to make an amber fossil
Amber is fossilized tree resin.
Because it was originally a soft,
sticky tree resin, amber sometimes
contains animal and plant material.
These are preserved exactly how
they would have been when they fell
into the resin.
www.gemrockauctions.com/auctions/nrgemstones/item-293732
To make an amber fossil, you will need:
Cheap epoxy resin (one per fossil)
A small heat-proof mould,
Yellow food colouring
Something to trap inside the fossil,
Something to protect the table
Warm, soapy water to hand.
Before you start, remember, BE CAREFUL near epoxy resin. The chemical reaction
that occurs produces quite a bit of heat, so do not touch the resin canisters or the
mould. If you get it on your skin, wash it off immediately with warm, soapy water.
1. Get everything ready because you will need
to work quick. Snap the lid off the resin.
© Original resource copyright Hamilton Trust, who give permission for it to be adapted as wished by individual users.
We refer you to our warning, at the foot of the block overview, about links to other websites.
UKS2 Topic: Dinosaurs and Fossils Block A: Fossils and Rocks Session 3
1. Mix the resin together in the little tray
provided with the stick provided in the pack.
2. Add a tiny drop of yellow food colouring
3. Mix well until the mixture thickens and pour
into the mould.
4. ‘Trap’ something into the resin. Repeat step 1-3
until the mould is filled with resin.
5. Wait for at least the amount of time the resin instructions suggest, before taking
the mould off the fossil. You may need a pair of scissors to help cut away the mould.
© Original resource copyright Hamilton Trust, who give permission for it to be adapted as wished by individual users.
We refer you to our warning, at the foot of the block overview, about links to other websites.