Dinosaur Footprints & Fossils

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In this activity, early learners simulate fossil prints in play dough or clay. Using plastic dinosaur feet to make footprints on their “mud” (much as dinosaurs walked around their habitat) and harvest items (leaves, corn, twigs, acorns) to make impressions, learners simulate fossil prints. This resource includes open-ended discussion questions to encourage reflection.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
10 to 30 minutes
Learning Time:
10 to 30 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$1 - $5 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 4 - 6
Resource Types:
Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan, Simulation
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • Clay or play dough
  • Rolling pins
  • Harvest items (leaves, corn, twigs, acorns)
  • Toy dinosaurs

Keywords

Subjects

  • Earth and Space Science
    • Earth Structure
      • Rocks and Minerals
    • Earth's History
      • Geologic Time
      • Fossils
      • Dinosaurs
  • Life Sciences
    • Diversity of Life
      • Animals
    • Ecology
      • Populations
    • Evolution
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • About Inquiry
      • Asking Questions
      • Conducting Investigations
      • Formulating Explanations
      • Communicating Results
    • Science as a Career

Informal Categories

  • Animals
  • Nature and Environment

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

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