Fossilization Experiment

The followings outline the science method of Fossilization experiment.

First, flatten the modeling clay into a thick pancake. Take one of the seashells and press it firmly into the clay, then carefully remove the shell from the clay.

Next, mix some plaster and water in the paper cup until it has the consistency of paste. Spoon the plaster into the clay mold you just made and immediately wash off the spoon.

Mix another batch of plaster in the bucket and add a V2 cup (120 ml) of sand. You should have just enough plaster to fill the pie pan. Pour the plaster into the pie pan and carefully press your hand into the plaster. Allow the plaster to dry.

Pour warm water into the small glass to about the halfway mark. Spoon in Epsom salt and stir. Continue adding salt and stirring until no more salt will dissolve in the water.

Take a piece of yarn and wad it up into a ball. Drop the ball into the Epsom salt solution and leave it there for 1 minute. Use the tweezers to remove the yarn and place it on a piece of aluminum foil to dry.

Turn your leaf samples so that the venous sides (revealing the veins) face you. Attach them to a sheet of drawing paper with a little tape at the stem. Place a second piece of paper over the leaf samples.

Use broad, firm strokes of the #2 pencil to darken the area directly above each leaf sample.

Carefully peel the modeling clay from the hardened plaster so that you preserve the clay mold. Use a toothpick to scrape off any bits of clay that remain stuck to the plaster cast.

Turn the aluminum pie pan upside down and gently tap it to remove the cast of your hand.

Place all of your objects in a row in this order: seashell, yarn, leaf rubbings, clay mold, and plaster handprint.

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