EASY PETRIFIED WOOD EXCAVATION

In this quick and inexpensive tutorial, we are going to show you how to make an Easy Petrified Wood Excavation. These excavations are super easy to make and are a great teaching resource to include in your next lesson or discussion about petrified wood, fossils, 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.

Empty Altoids Tin

Petrified wood - You can buy chunks of rough petrified wood or for a little more money you can get beautifully tumbled pieces. 

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Directions:

1. Place some petrified wood 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 petrified wood.
5. Place the Easy Petrified Wood 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 petrified wood 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 much, much, more!