Starburst Fossils

3rd grade has been learning all about skeletons and bones in science class, but on a super fun Friday we expanded it to include some sweet treats! In their RLA class students have been reading a novel called Chocolate Touch. To keep with the theme in language, math, and science (that's me) we used candy for some great learning activities, and a bit of a sugar rush.

This experiment shows students how over time the layers of rock, soil, and sediment build up and add pressure to the skeleton, creating a molded imprint. The only materials needed are Starbursts, aluminum foil, hardback book, and some small object (we used Legos.) 

To begin, lay one Starburst in the foil and fold it over (the foil helps from getting the sticky Starburst on everything.) Press down as hard as you can on the foil to flatten it out. The hardback book can come in handy here by allowing you to add more pressure. 

Once you have flattened one Starburst unwrap the foil and add in your small object. On top flatten two more Starbursts in the foil to create layers of soil, rock, and sediment that builds up over time. 

After adding all the layers, students can peel off the foil and the layers of Starburst. In the end they will be able to reveal the imprinted fossil!