Rocks and Fossils activity 6: Fossil Pudding

Overview
The children research famous Victorian palaeontologists and fossil collectors including Gideon Mantell, Robert Owen, Mary Anning, Thomas Huxley and Folkestone’s very own John Griffiths. Then embark on a fossil hunt to collect tiny fossil shells and ammonites from East Wear Bay (or have some provided). With these they create ‘fossil puddings’ by pressing them into a small piece of cement. First made by John Griffiths, these were popular Victorian souvenirs.

Learning Objectives

Increased knowledge and understanding of Victorian fossil collectors, ammonites, shells, and Victorian souvenirs.

Curriculum Links
KS1-2 Science (rocks and fossils, prehistoric animals)
KS1-2 Art (working with clay, making skills)

KS1-2 History (famous people, local history study)

Press about 10-20 mini fossil shells and ammonites from East Wear Bay into a lump of grey-coloured self-hardening clay to make a fossil pudding, similar to those created by Folkestone’s Victorian fossil collector John Griffiths.

Learn with Objects links

Use Learn with Objects, Rocks and Fossils 1-11 for info and images.