This simple seashell fossils in playdough activity is easy to set up and fun for kids. It includes opportunities for hands-on learning as well as sensory play. 
Use this activity after collecting shells at the beach on a vacation or pair it with an ocean unit study. You could also do this when studying fossils. It’s a great hands-on science activity.
Seashell Fossils Sensory Play:
Pressing the seashells into the playdough provides good proprioceptive sensory feedback. As does rolling out the playdough. If you use scented playdough, you can add olfactory sensory input.
There are contrasting textures and colours with the soft playdough and rough and hard seashells which engage the tactile and visual sensory systems. 
How to make Seashell Fossils in Playdough:
Supplies needed:
Instructions:
- Set out the playdough, a rolling pin, and a variety of seashells.
- Have your child roll make a ball with the playdough and roll it out using the rolling pin.
- The seashells can then be pressed into the playdough.
- Encourage your child to use the rolling pin or their fingers to press the seashells further into the playdough.
- Invite your child to carefully peel the seashells out of the playdough. Observe the faux fossils that are now displayed where the seashells used to be.
- For younger kids, you can also have them match the seashells that are now out of the playdough with their imprint.
Expand this activity:
- Set out books about seashells for your child to discover which type of seashells are in front of them and what sea creatures used to live in them.
- Talk about what true fossils are and how they are formed. Here are some resources to help you teach about fossils.
Curious About Fossils
Where Do Fossils Come from?The Beachcomber’s CompanionSeashells, Crabs and Sea StarsSea Shells Mixed Beach SeashellsPlay-Doh Modeling Compound
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