Start a fossil collection

I don't have a soft brush, magnifying glass, field guide, or zip-top bags—what can I use instead?

Use a clean paintbrush or soft toothbrush instead of the soft brush, a phone camera or reading glasses in place of a magnifying glass, printed photos or online field guides on a phone for identification, and resealable sandwich bags or small plastic containers if you don't have zip-top bags.

What should I do if a fossil looks too fragile or breaks when I pick it up or rinse it?

If a find looks fragile or breaks, leave it in place and photograph it for your notebook, use only the soft brush to remove loose dirt, wrap any pieces in tissue and put them in a container or bag, and let an adult decide about gentle rinsing as the instructions advise.

How can I adapt this fossil hunt for younger or older kids?

For younger kids simplify to walking, scanning, and placing finds in labeled bags while an adult handles permission, rinsing, and notebook entries, and for older kids add detailed notebook dates and locations, use the magnifying glass and field guide for IDs, take photos, and research identifications before sharing on DIY.org.

How can we extend or personalize our fossil collection after collecting?

Create a mini-museum by arranging labeled fossils in the box with marker-made cards and notebook notes, wrap fragile specimens in tissue for storage, photograph each specimen to make a digital catalog, and share the display and photos on DIY.org.