Making Fossils

Continuing on our study of the earth, we're now looking at rocks and minerals. One of my Nature Man's favorites, below, is an example of an igneous rock (intrusive, crystalline, quartz, etc.)

Here's a smaller one, that he just bought at the "Rock Shop," as we call it.

Then we studied about extrusive igneous rocks, which is magma (now lava) that cools on the surface of the earth. Two types of extrusive igneous are obsidian and pumice. To demonstrate how these are chemically the same, yet look so different, we used an egg white.

Yes, yes, more egg demonstrations!! ;-)

At this point, I put down the camera and neglected to pick it back up. oops
Put an egg white in a bowl and show the kids.
This represents Obsidian, rock without gas bubbles.
Then whip or beat it into a thick meringue.
The meringue represent pumice rock, full of gas bubbles.
They loved it and they "got it."

The following day we studied Sedimentary and Metamorphic Rock.

Short version for the web:

Sedimentary is the only kind of rock that contains fossils. To make your own fossils, combine 1 cup salt with 1 cup flour and enough water to make a dough. This should be about the consistency of play dough. If it's too wet, your objects will stick to it. If it's too dry, they won't imprint. Experiment with small batches of salt/ flour mixture and a little water at a time.
Then bake until hard! We baked ours at 350 degrees for awhile. Maybe 20 or so minutes. Then put them up on a shelf. I had mine sitting out on the table and my Mom stopped by and nearly ate one.

Another suggestion for book lovers out there: Shakespeare for Kids. I recently discovered it, and we've finished two now. The kids love it and so do I!! It's a fabulous introduction, for young children, to great literature. Best of all, it encourages narration through retelling, acting, letter-writing, and pictures.
The Artist's rendition of Lysander and Hermia (with Puck hovering nearby.)

Happy Schooling!