SUPER SHARK TOOTH TREK

In this quick and inexpensive tutorial, we are going to show you how to make a Super Shark Tooth Trek excavation activity. These excavations are super easy to make and are a great teaching resource to include in your next lesson or discussion about sharks, the ocean, marine biology, and more.

 

Want a free Shark Tooth Mini Dig? Be sure to check out our free Digital Dig virtual gem mining. Answer trivia and earn points you can redeem for free rocks, minerals, fossils, seashells, excavation kits and more!

 

 

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

Shark teeth - You can buy these online or if you are lucky you may have a beach to explore and find free shark teeth. 

 

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 more!

 

Directions:

 

  1. Place some shark teeth 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 shark’s teeth.
  5. Place the Super Shark Tooth Trek 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 shark teeth you have hidden inside.

 

 

 

Shark Teeth Treasures: Fossilized Jaws and Oceanic Marvels!

Fun Facts about Shark Teeth:

  1. Shark teeth are some of the most commonly found fossils on Earth and offer a fascinating glimpse into the ancient world of sharks.

  2. Sharks are known for their multiple rows of teeth, with new teeth constantly growing to replace the old ones that fall out.

  3. Shark teeth are not made of bone like our teeth; they are made of a strong and durable material called dentin.

  4. Sharks can grow and shed thousands of teeth in their lifetime, and some species can even grow hundreds of teeth at once.

  5. Shark teeth come in various shapes and sizes, depending on the species. Some have sharp, triangular teeth for slicing through prey, while others have flat, broad teeth for crushing shells or grinding food.

  6. Fossilized shark teeth can be found in different colors, including shades of black, gray, brown, and even vibrant hues like red and blue.

  7. The most common place to find shark teeth fossils is in sedimentary rock layers or along the shores of oceans and rivers.

  8. Shark teeth have been used by ancient civilizations as tools, jewelry, and even currency, and they hold cultural significance in some communities.

  9. The largest shark teeth belong to the extinct species known as Megalodon, which could grow up to 7 inches (18 cm) long.

  10. Sharks continually lose and replace their teeth throughout their lifetime, with some species shedding thousands of teeth each year.

  11. Each shark tooth has a unique shape and pattern, which helps scientists identify different shark species based on their teeth fossils.

  12. Collecting and identifying shark teeth is a popular hobby, and enthusiasts often compete to find rare or unusual specimens.

Remember, shark teeth are like ancient artifacts that carry the stories of the mighty ocean predators, allowing us to marvel at their power and resilience!

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!

 

 

 

Question 1: What material are shark teeth made of? A) Ivory B) Bone C) Dentin D) Enamel

Correct answer: C) Dentin

Question 2: Where is the most common place to find fossilized shark teeth? A) Volcanic rock formations B) Sandy beaches C) Deep ocean trenches D) Mountain peaks

Correct answer: B) Sandy beaches

Question 3: Which extinct species had the largest shark teeth? A) Great White Shark B) Hammerhead Shark C) Tiger Shark D) Megalodon

Correct answer: D) Megalodon

 

 

 

 

 

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