AMAZING AMMONITE EXCAVATION

In this quick and inexpensive tutorial, we are going to show you how to make an Amazing Ammonite Excavation. These excavations are super easy to make and are a great teaching resource to include in your next lesson or discussion about fossils, ammonites, paleontology, and more.

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Materials:

Sand

Plaster of Paris

Water

Mixing Bowl

Wooden spoon

Measuring cups

Popsicle sticks – Popsicle sticks are inexpensive, readily available, and make great excavation tools.

Safety goggles or glasses – You we need to provide or borrow a set for each student.

Optional – Brushes and magnifying glasses.

Ammonites - You can buy rough specimens online inexpensively. 

Altoids tin

Check out hundreds of exciting and unique dig kits! Excavating Adventures has a kit for everyone. Explore dig kits filled with rocks, minerals, fossils, gemstones, seashells, and even real ammonites!

Directions:

1. Place the ammonites in the tin.
2. Mix 1 cups sand with 1/3 cup Plaster of Paris.
3. Add 1/3 cup of water and mix until you have a pancake batter consistency.
4. Pour the mixture over the ammonites.
5. Place the Amazing Ammonite Excavation in front of a fan overnight until it is completely dry.
6. Distribute the excavation, excavation tools, and safety goggles to your Excavating Adventurer and have fun watching them dig in and discover the awesome ammonites you have hidden inside.

Take some time to explore the Excavating Adventures website. We have monthly excavations that get delivered right to your door, Build Your Own excavations, a blog filled with amazing excavation ideas, trivia, tons of free stuff and ammonite dig kits, and much, much, more!