Dinosaur lovers will really dig this sweet archaeology activity for kids!
When paleontologists dig up dinosaurs, they think about a few things. One of the things they think about is where the fossil was found, or its context.
Where in the dirt? Was it near the surface? Deep underground? Was it near footprints? Next to a fossilized tree? Where a fossil was found can tell us more about it.
If you dig dinosaurs, this archaeology activity will turn kinds into junior paleontologists!
Materials:
- Paper
- Pencil
- Ruler
- Tray
- Toothpicks aka your chisel and hammer
Step 1:
Place your paper on the tray. This will be your excavation area.
On the blank side of the paper, use the ruler to mark out a 5cm x 5cm grid. Each square in the grid should be 1 cm down and 1 cm across.
Label the boxes across the top A, B, C, D, & E, and the boxes down the side 1, 2, 3, 4, & 5.
Step 2:
Place the cookie in the middle of your plate on top of the squares you drew.
Very carefully, chip the cookie dough away from one chocolate chip. Watch your fingers!
Step 3:
Try to excavate as many chips as you can. Use the grid to remember where you found them, and make note of unique shapes or sizes.
You have now excavated your chocolate chips and noted their position just like a paleontologist does with a dinosaur skeleton. Each numbered square helps them remember where they found a fossil.
