Fossil molds and casts

The resource is an activity that guides you through the process of creating a mold or cast of items of your choice. There is a small section on background information that describes how fossils are created. There is not an assessment piece. This is an activity guide that could be used in conjunction with another lesson or as a culminating activity. It could also be modified for any age group.

Weblink address (URL):

Standards & Objectives

Learning objectives:

Students will be able to:

Distinguish between a mold and a cast.
List the properties of a mold and a cast.
Describe which fossil gives more information about the once living object.

Lesson Variations

Blooms taxonomy level:

Applying

Differentiation suggestions:

To make tracks, try to get animals that you can let walk or slither across the wet plaster. If you do, make sure the plaster is firm enough for the animal to walk on. Insects are easy to find.

Extension suggestions:

Have students trade fossils with another student for observation purposes. Describe what you see in the new fossil and what it is or may have done while it was living, i.e.: walking, swimming, meat eating, vegetarian eating, defense, etc.

Helpful Hints

Materials needed:

Modeling clay
Plaster of Paris
12-16oz. plastic soda pop bottles
Small paper cups 6 oz. sized
Leaves, plastic dinosaurs or bugs, shells and twigs
Water Bucket or bowel to mix plaster in
Paper towels
tooth picks
labels

References

Contributors:

Jennifer Hassell

Originator:

Ayers Institute for Learning & Innovation