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Grade: K-8 (adaptable)

Age: 5-13

Activity Summary:

Objectives:

What You Need:

• small bags
• an old spoon
• some old bowls or styrofoam trays
• vegetable shortening or lard
• a few stiff bristle house painting brushes or old toothbrushes that no one uses anymore
• some mural or finger painting paper
• masking tape
• dirt

What You Do:

1. Go for a walk outside and using an old spoon or a garden trowel, scoop up some dirt and place it in a bag.

2. Scoop up some more dirt and put it in a different bag -- be sure to look for different colours of dirt.

3. Once you are happy with the amount of soil you have, take it back to a work table and start to take out any bits of stones or grass.

4. If you have an old flour sifter, this would be a good time to use it. If not, just use your hands.

5. Using an old spoon, mash the dirt up in a bowl or tray so that it is nice and smooth (keep the colours separate).

6. Add a spoonful of vegetable shortening to the dirt. Icky isn't it?

7. Add more dirt if the mixture is too light in color.

8. Add more shortening if the mixture is too dry.

9. Once all the prehistoric paint is mixed up, tape some mural paper (or wrapping paper - fancy side down) on the wall or table.

10. Using old paintbrushes or toothbrushes, start to paint!

11. If you are feeling really adventurous, you can go outside and find a big rock or boulder to paint on.

Did You Know:

Recommended Books:

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