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How to have fun with fossils

A pile of sand with toy dinosaurs and plaster fossils, accompanied by excavation tools.]

Overview

Have you ever wanted to be a paleontologist and dig for fossils? With this fun and creative D.I.Y. project, you can make your own fossils, then go on an exciting excavation to uncover them. It’s a fantastic way to learn, play, and use your imagination.

Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment

Steps

1Mix the plaster of paris

First up, mix the plaster of paris according to the instructions on the packet. If you want to make your dinosaur fossils extra fun, you can add glitter or a drop of food colouring to the mix. Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and ready to pour.

Bunnings Team Member is pouring a plaster of paris mixture from a bucket into paper cups to make the fossils.

2Create your fossil moulds

Carefully pour the plaster of paris mixture into your moulds, such as patty pans or small containers. Once the moulds are filled, choose a plastic fossil or dinosaur toy and press it gently into the plaster until it’s completely hidden. Give the moulds a few light taps on the side to remove any air bubbles and smooth out the surface.

Leave the plaster of paris to dry for about an hour. Once it’s firm, pop the fossil out of the mould and let it fully set. Depending on the plaster you’re using, this can take anywhere from 3 hours to 3 days, so check the packet instructions.

Three kids wearing gloves and aprons are pouring plaster of paris mixture into the moulds to make the fossil in Bunnings D.I.Y. workshop.

3 Dig for your fossils

Now comes the fun part – excavation! Put on your safety goggles and grab your digging tools, like a hammer and popsicle stick. Chip away carefully at the plaster to reveal your fossil. Watch as the grooves and shapes of your dinosaur or shell come to life.

A young girl wearing safety goggles and an apron is using a hammer and chisel to break open a plaster block to reveal the fossil.

4Display or decorate your fossil

Once you’ve uncovered your fossil, you can keep it as it is or paint it to add some colour. It’s a great keepsake or gift to share with your friends too, if you’d like.

Three kids wearing safety goggles are proudly displaying their uncovered fossils at a Bunnings DIY workshop.

5Looking for more Kids D.I.Y. activities?

Learn how to make a cute grasshead.

Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.