What Do Paleontologists Do?
Paleontologists are scientific detectives who study ancient life by examining fossils—preserved remains or traces of plants, animals, and other organisms from millions of years ago. Further, these scientists carefully excavate, clean, and analyze fossils to discover how prehistoric creatures lived and how they connect to life on Earth today. In fact, paleontology activities for kids tap into that same spirit of discovery. For instance, the field offers a magical mix of science and imagination, which excites children to dive into the past and explore the mysteries of dinosaurs and ancient creatures. When kids find out that paleontologists are basically time-traveling detectives, they get excited to dig into the past and uncover the secrets of dinosaurs and ancient creatures.
Skills Kids Develop Through Paleontology Activities
Exploring paleontology helps children build:
- Careful observation and documentation skills
- Fine motor control and patience
- Classification, comparison, and identification techniques
Hands-On Paleontology Activities for Kids
These fun, educational fossil activities for kids offer the perfect way to spark curiosity and introduce scientific thinking through play. For even more hands-on paleontology fun, our Paleontologist Kit is a great option—it’s packed with real tools and materials that let kids dig, discover, and learn like a true scientist.
1. Make Your Own Fossil Imprint
What You Need:
- Plaster of Paris
- Water
- Mixing bowl
- Small items (e.g., shells, plastic dinosaurs, leaves)
- Petroleum jelly
- Shallow containers (e.g., jar lids, small dishes, or cups)
Instructions:
- Lightly coating each object with petroleum jelly.
- Then, mix plaster of Paris according to the instructions.
- Thirdly, you will pour plaster into your container.
- Gently press your object into the wet plaster.
- Then, carefully remove the object to leave an imprint.
- Finally, let the plaster dry fully.
- (Optional) Paint the imprint once it’s dry.
This activity helps children understand how real fossil imprints form as well as gives them a hands-on experience with the fossilization process.
2. Use the Imprint as a Fossil Mold
What You Need:
- A plaster imprint from Activity 1
- Modeling clay or air-dry dough
- Paintbrush
- Water
Instructions:
- Form a ball of clay slightly larger than the imprint.
- Then, flatten it to the shape of the imprint.
- Thirdly, you will lightly brush water on the clay.
- Then, press the clay into the plaster imprint.
- Lastly, gently remove to reveal the molded fossil shape.
Kids will learn how scientists recreate fossils from molds, just like in a museum, reinforcing concepts of preservation and scientific modeling.
3. DIY Dinosaur Excavation Dig
What You Need:
- Sandbox or large plastic container
- Sand
- Small plastic dinosaurs or fossil replicas
- Brushes and small digging tools
- Magnifying glass
- Notebook for observations
Instructions:
- Bury dinosaurs or objects in sand.
- Then, have your child excavate using brushes and tools.
- Record each discovery in the notebook—what was found, where, and how deep.
- Finally, be sure to encourage discussion about what these “fossils” could reveal about life in the past.
This activity teaches kids about excavation and observation. In addition, kids will learn how scientists analyze fossil locations to learn about prehistoric ecosystems.
Key Paleontology Terms for Kids
- Fossil: Preserved remains or impressions of ancient life
- Imprint: A mark made when something presses into a soft surface
- Excavation: Careful digging to uncover fossils
- Paleontologist: A scientist who studies prehistoric life through fossils
- Extinct: No longer living
- Fossil record: The entire collection of known fossils
