Fossil play dough
Become a young palaeontologist with this exciting fossil-making activity! Children press dinosaur toys, shells, leaves, or other natural objects into play dough to create realistic fossil impressions. This hands-on sensory activity encourages curiosity, creativity, and early science learning while strengthening fine motor skills.
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Learn what is needed in order to do this activity
Learn how you can adapt this activity and reuse
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What do you do:
Roll out the play dough into a flat surface.
Press dinosaur toys or natural objects firmly into the play dough.
Lift them carefully to reveal the fossil impressions.
Compare the different prints and textures.
Create a collection of fossils and explore different designs.
What's Needed:
Play dough
Dinosaur toys, shells, leaves, or other textured objects
Rolling pin (optional)
Play dough tools (optional)
Tray or mat
How to Adapt
For younger children: Explore pressing different objects into the play dough and discovering the impressions.
As skills develop: Compare fossil shapes, identify the objects, and describe the different textures.
For more confident learners: Create a fossil excavation, make fossil patterns, or use the impressions for storytelling and imaginative dinosaur adventures.
Benefits of the Activity
Develops fine motor skills and hand strength.
Encourages sensory exploration through touch.
Introduces early science and dinosaur concepts.
Builds observation and comparison skills.
Supports creativity and imaginative play.
Strengthens problem-solving and critical thinking.
Promotes curiosity about the natural world.
