Dinosaur Fossil Excavation Activity
Learning Objective: Pupils can carefully excavate a model fossil and record their findings like a palaeontologist
About this resource
This hands-on activity allows Year 2 pupils to experience the thrill of a dinosaur fossil excavation, carefully unearthing a model fossil and documenting their discoveries just like real palaeontologists. Designed for science lessons, it provides an engaging way to explore scientific inquiry and observation skills. The resource supports the UK National Curriculum by fostering an understanding of scientific processes and the natural world.
Activity Overview
45 minutesPupils become palaeontologists! They carefully excavate model fossils from plaster of Paris or sand trays, clean them, identify them, and record their findings on a scientific recording sheet.
Setup (Teacher Prep)
Before the lesson:
- Bury small plastic dinosaurs or toy bones in sand trays or plaster blocks
- Prepare excavation tools: paintbrushes, wooden sticks, spoons
- Print recording sheets for each pupil
- Set up 'museum display' area for finished fossils
Instructions
- Explain: 'You are palaeontologists today. You must carefully dig out your fossil without breaking it.'
- Use brushes and sticks to gently remove sand/plaster
- When fossil is exposed, carefully lift it out
- Clean it with a soft brush
- Draw your fossil on the recording sheet
- Measure it with a ruler
- Try to identify what dinosaur it came from
- Display in the class museum
Recording Sheet
My Fossil Discovery Palaeontologist name: ____________ Date of discovery: ____________ Draw your fossil: [box] It measures _____ cm long and _____ cm wide I think it is from a: ____________ I think this because: ____________
Differentiation
SEN Support
Larger fossils easier to find. Pre-started excavation. Simplified recording with tick boxes.
EAL Support
Visual instruction cards. Key vocabulary: fossil, excavate, palaeontologist. Paired work.
Gifted & Talented
Write a museum label for their fossil including scientific information. Research a real fossil discovery (e.g., Mary Anning).
Key Vocabulary
Assessment Criteria
- Can carefully excavate a model fossil
- Can record findings accurately
- Can explain what a palaeontologist does