Fossil Day
Fossil Day is October 16th
National Fossil Day takes place on October 16th in 2019 to commemorate the importance of fossils and the work of paleontologists. Several events take place across museums and universities across the nation to teach people about fossils, how they are found, and what paleontologists do with them.
The first National Fossil Day took place on October 13th, 2010.
How Fossil Day Unites People
Earth Science Week is a big deal within the education world and many events are held around the country to celebrate Fossil Day as part of this event.
Groups and organizations, including the Forest Service, the National Park Service, the American Geoscience Institute, non-profit and private organizations, the federal government, and many state and local governments celebrate Fossil Day to bring people together with fun activities and learning adventures.
How to Celebrate Fossil Day
Learn about Fossils!
Museums and other educational institutions observe Fossil Day to teach both adults and kids the importance of fossils and what they teach us about the past. Paleontologists may visit schools and hold activities to stimulate children’s interest in paleontology.
Go to a fun local Event
Some organizations even hold excavating events where you can go look for fossils yourself. This is a fun way to learn and be active with others who share the same fascination for fossils.
Create Your Own Fun
- Hide bones, sharks teeth or toy dinosaurs fossils in your sandbox for your kids to dig out
- Create a more realistic fossil excavation with a toy dinosaur fossil skeleton, some cornstarch and water. To learn how, see this article for a Dinosaur Dig Excavation Activity
- Create your own fossils with clay, model magic or play doh by pressing various dino skeletons and bugs into the surface, then removing for a fun play on learning about how fossils were created.
- Create more realistic fossils using coffee grounds, plaster or other hardening material.
- Make Fossil Cookies, Cakes or other fun foods and be creative!
