How Do Fossils Form? A fossil is remains or evidence of previous
life preserved in the earth's surface. You have probably seen
fossils at one time or another. It may have been a fossil of an
ancient fern leaf or perhaps some prehistoric creature. It is
exciting to look at something that lived millions of years ago.
Though scientists have found many, many fossils, they are not
all that common. It takes very special conditions for fossils to
form. Here's how you can make a modern day fossil. What Do I
Need? - Plaster of Paris - Sea shells - Petroleum Jelly How Do I
Make the Fossil? Fossils form a number of ways. We will simulate
a type of fossil that forms in mud. Mix a small amount of water
with a handful of plaster of paris, the plaster should be smooth
and thick. Spread the plaster of paris onto the cardboard,
making it about an inch thick, and just slightly larger than a
leaf. Coat the leaf with petroleum jelly and place it onto the
plaster. Press gently down on the leaf to push it into the
plaster. Allow t