How to Make Fossils Using Plaster of Paris

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: Gather your materials.

   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)
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   Step 2: Choose the object you want to make a fossil of.

   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! , This will keep the object from sticking to the plaster when you try to remove it.
   
   Coat it thoroughly! , Follow the directions on the plaster of Paris packaging.
   
   Mix them together thoroughly and let the concoction sit for a few minutes without stirring.
   
   You should need about 2x more water than plaster, but you can adjust the ratio as you see fit. , 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. , 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.
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   Step 3: Coat the object with petroleum jelly.

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   Step 4: Mix plaster and water in a bowl.

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   Step 5: Press the object into the plaster of Paris.

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   Step 6: Remove the object.

Detailed Guide

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