How to Preserve Fossils for Your Science Project

Here is a great idea for a class science project on earth science. You will demonstrate how to preserve fossils. You will also show how nature fossilizes various items naturally.

This project's objective is to demonstrate how fossils are preserved in nature and will discuss a few of the physical characteristics of sedimentary rocks.

In order to do this project you will need the following items: cement, lime, sand, water, clay, a sturdy and shallow cardboard box, such as a box lid, and what ever objects you would like to preserve, such as leaves, sea shells or feathers. You can also even preserve your footprint or animal tracks.

In a metal bowl, add equal parts of sand, lime and cement. Next, add water to these items. You will want to add enough water to make a liquid mixture. Add the water very slowly. I suggest using 2 cups each of the sand, lime and cement. Try adding ½ of a cup of water at a time, stirring slowing as the water is being added. If you add too much water, the mixture will not set. If you add too little, the mixture will be too thick. The consistency you want is similar to the consistency of liquid soap- thick enough that it will harden, yet thin enough that it flows into the impressions freely. If you use too much water will make it impossible to harden.

In your cardboard box, put a layer of clay on the bottom. Smooth out the clay evenly. You can use a spatula to smooth the mixture. Take the objects that you wish to preserve and press them into the clay until the clay has the shape of the object in it. Remove the object.

Before the next step, make sure that you have the box somewhere that it will not be moved until the mixture has had a chance to set, such as outside.

If you would like to make an impression of your pet's paw print, such as a dog or cat, place your animal in the mixture and gently press down their paws in the mixture.

If you want to make a print of your foot, gently step into the mixture, putting all of your weight on your foot that is in the mixture. Carefully step out of the mixture. Remove your foot quickly, lifting it straight up. A good suggestion would be to have someone hold the box steady while you remove your foot.

Once you remove the object, pour the mixture your previously made (sand, cement, lime & water) on top of the clay. Let it set overnight, at least 10 hours.

Once the mixture has hardened, flip the cardboard box right side up. Remove the cardboard box, as well as the layer of clay. You will see the impression of the fossil in this mixture.