How to Create Salt Dough for Dinosaur Impressions

If you are looking for an exciting and educational STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) activity for kids, making dinosaur impressions in salt dough is a perfect choice. In this activity, children learn about dinosaurs and fossils while creating their own unique dinosaur impressions that they can keep as a memento of their experience.

During our recent STEAM workshop, we discussed how dinosaurs and fossils were interconnected. We talked about how fossils are the remains of animals and plants that lived long ago and how paleontologists use them to learn about the past. Then, we introduced the kids to salt dough, a simple and versatile material that can be used to make many different art projects, including dinosaur impressions.

Here is a step-by-step guide to creating salt dough for dinosaur impressions:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of all-purpose flour

• 1 cup of salt

• 1 cup of water

• Food coloring (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt together.

2. Add water slowly and mix until the dough forms a ball. You may need to adjust the amount of water depending on the humidity in your environment.

3. If desired, add food coloring to the dough to make it more colorful.

4. Knead the dough on a floured surface until it is smooth and pliable.

5. Roll the dough out to about 1/4 inch thick.

6. Press a toy dinosaur into the dough to make an impression. You can also use shells, leaves, or any other object you want to create impressions.

7. Carefully remove the object from the dough to reveal the impression.

8. If you want to hang the impressions, use a toothpick or skewer to create a small hole in the top of the dough before it dries.

9. Allow the dough to dry completely, which can take up to several days depending on the humidity and thickness of the dough.

10. Once the dough is dry, you can paint the impressions with acrylic paint or leave them natural.

This activity is a great way to incorporate science, art, and history into one fun project. Kids can learn about the dinosaurs and the prehistoric world while getting creative and making something unique. Plus, they get to take home a memento of their experience that they can treasure for years to come.

In conclusion, making dinosaur impressions in salt dough is a fun and easy STEAM activity that kids of all ages can enjoy. With just a few simple ingredients and some imagination, you can create a unique and educational experience that will leave a lasting impression.