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STEAM Club at Home: Fossil Dig

November 25, 2020
By Abby Branstein, Children's Programs, Oldham County Public Library, LaGrange, Ky.

The STEAM Club at Home, which focuses on science, technology, engineering, art and math, offers enrichment activities for kids in grades K-5.

This month, I created "fossil bricks" by mixing a plaster and adding real fossils that I purchased online. Participants picked up the bricks and other materials in advance, and we met virtually to learn about fossils and excavate the fossils from their bricks.

Audience
Children / Family
Popular Topics
Social-distancing programs
Virtual
STEM
Budget
$51-100
Advance Planning

I tried to include as many STEAM elements as possible in these programs. There were opportunities to draw the fossils and extend learning online.

I ordered materials and made the fossil bricks in advance. The recipe called for 1 cup plaster to 1 cup sand with ¾ cup water. This made about four bricks. I put around 10 in each brick.

I also compiled a slideshow about fossils to share with participants along with directions for excavating their fossil brick. Because this program was virtual, I assembled packets in advance for patrons to pick up at the library.

Marketing

We shared the signup link on our library Facebook page. We also have a newsletter that is emailed to patrons and hung fliers at the branches.

Budget Details

Materials included:

  • Plaster (recipe)
  • Sand (you can use leftover sand from other programs, if available)
  • Fossils
  • Digging tool
  • Molds
  • Foil to-go containers or plastic bags

It ended up being about $1.85 per participant for 60 bags.

Day-of-event Activity

I did a short live presentation on fossils, knowing that the kids wanted to get right to digging their own fossils.

Program Execution

As the program was virtual, very little work was required day of. The program signup filled in less than two days, and all 60 packets were picked up.

Advice

Make sure to order lots of supplies!

Submitted by harata on Wed, 2020-11-25 08:25

Short Title
STEAM Club at Home: Fossil Dig
By Abby Branstein, Children's Programs, Oldham County Public Library, LaGrange, Ky.

The STEAM Club at Home, which focuses on science, technology, engineering, art and math, offers enrichment activities for kids in grades K-5.

This month, I created "fossil bricks" by mixing a plaster and adding real fossils that I purchased online. Participants picked up the bricks and other materials in advance, and we met virtually to learn about fossils and excavate the fossils from their bricks.

Attachments
steam_club_fossils_pl.pdf
fossil_id.pdf
brick_recipe.pdf
Related Programs
Science @ Home!
STEAM-y Wonderful Wednesday
Fall for Fine Arts
Tags
STEAM
STEM
virtual program
take home program
children's program
fossil
Program Date
Thu, 2020-11-12
Slideshow Images
  • Online flyer for the Fossil Dig program
  • Photo of materials needed for fossil dig
Summary

Kids took home plaster bricks with real fossils hardened inside, then met virtually to excavate.

Comments:

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