Preschooler +
As I've mentioned before, S loves dinosaurs. Recently she'd become curious about dinosaur fossils and was wondering if we could make some of our own. So we decided to try it out! It's actually quite easy and very fun. We've revisited this activity several times since and it's definitely a favorite around here. I was happy to find these amazing dinosaur bones
on Amazon. There are 12 to a set, and they even have labels with the names of the dinosaurs on them! 
Materials wise, you need an oil-based clay. We used Crayola Model Magic. It worked really well, but I'd chosen blue and it did leave a blue residue. So I'd recommend using the white Crayola Model Magicif you go that route. I guess if you use a water based clay like PlayDoh it melts into the mold and is impossible to get out of the little cracks. The oil-based clay just peels right off.
if you go that route. I guess if you use a water based clay like PlayDoh it melts into the mold and is impossible to get out of the little cracks. The oil-based clay just peels right off. I bought the "Strong Cast Plaster" shown below for $4 from Michaels, but you can use regular Plaster of Paris from Home Depot instead.
For the first step, you want to get some sort of container with edges so you don't spill the plaster. We used an old Gladware container whose lid has long since disappeared. Make a nice layer of clay - if you get it nice and thick, you can press your fossil in harder and it will come out looking cooler.
We pressed ours in as far as we could to get the maximum amount of detail.
S got to follow the directions and measure out the plaster mix into our mixing container. This was the first model we made, so we were sure to use lots of plaster mix. Since then we've made several that are thinner and they're pretty sturdy as well so long as you wait until they are completely dry.
S also was in charge of mixing. I tried to take a back seat as much as possible. Her coordination has really taken off in the last few months, and she's able to do these things without (or with minimum) spilling.
Carefully pouring the mixture over the mold. The slower you go, the less likely air bubbles are.
It takes about 20-40 minutes for the plaster to set. We put a timer on and played so that she didn't go crazy waiting!
The finished mold. Note the blue hue from the use of blue Model Magic.
After she was done painting it. I'm pretty sure this is what actual dinosaur fossils look like. Or maybe it's just what they should look like? Everything *is* better with glitter, after all.
For even more dinosaur fun, be sure to check out our No Sew Dinosaur World Playmat and our Dinosaurs and Sticky Mud Small World!
Please always supervise your infant/child at play. Please stay within arms reach and never leave infants/children unattended.
I don't remember seeing the finished product before -- it turned out great! Everything *is* better with glitter.
ReplyDeleteWell, since no one knows what dinosaurs looked like, S could be onto something there! Perhaps dinosaurs liked getting glammed up, too ;)
ReplyDeleteExcellent point, vintagefeel! :)
DeleteGreat project, I'll definitely be trying this with my son this summer. Were you able to put the model magic away to reuse after this project or was it a one time deal?
ReplyDeleteThank you, Mareth! There is a slight white residue from the plaster that was left on the Model Magic. I just kneaded it in and we've used it a dozen times since. It seems to be just fine, so I'd say it's definitely reusable!
Delete