A Learning Link to the Children’s Discovery Museum

Have you ever wondered what it is like to be an archeologist? Archeology is the scientific study of past human culture, technology and behavior based on studying the things that people have left behind. What does it take to be an archeologist? It takes patience, knowledge and a little detective work to uncover the mysteries of the past.

Sometimes archeologists do not find the actual remains of human cultures, but they may find impressions of things people left behind. You can make a “fossil impression” of remains from your own culture using things found in your home, classroom or neighborhood. Look for things that people use every day. Keys, eating utensils, small tools, pens and pencils work great. Then, with the help of your family or teacher, make the following “fossil” dough:

You will need:

* 1 cup flour

* 1/2 cup salt

* 1 cup used coffee grounds

* 1/2 cup cold, leftover coffee

Step 1: Combine all ingredients in a bowl and stir until blended.

Step 2: Mix with your hands into a ball. Take it out and knead it on a floured surface until smooth.

Step 3: Roll out dough to about 1/2 inch thick.

Step 4: Firmly press your collected objects into the dough. Let them rest for a minute or two, then remove them. Put the dough in the sun to dry.

You did it! You made your own fossil impression. Maybe some archeologist hundreds of thousands of years from now will find it.

You can learn more about archeology at the Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert. The exhibit has a children’s dig site with replicas of actual Cahuilla Indian artifacts to excavate.

This information was provided courtesy of the Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert, 71701 Gerald Ford Drive, Rancho Mirage. The museum has more than 50 hands-on exhibits. For more information, call (760) 321-0602.