Pretend and Learn Archeology Dig
Updated July 28, 2007
To get your child interested in history, geology, and prehistoric biology, an archeology dig is just the way to go. Have your kids excavate objects to learn how archeologists learn about geological events, cultures, and animals from the past.
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Dirt or Sand
This is ultimately where you'll be burying the archeological treasures. You can use the dirt outside your back door or buy some play sand.
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Dishpan (optional)
If you want to do your dig outside in the dirt or sandbox, you can skip this, and just bury objects in the ground. You'll definitely need this for inside digging, though.
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Plaster (optional)
If you want your kids to learn how archeologists chip away hardened minerals from objects, make up a batch of plaster (in the dishpan) and put in the objects. After the plaster hardens, you can have your kids chip away at the hardened plaster to reveal their treasures. For a more realistic dig, bury the plaster rocks in the yard.
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Shovels
Archeologists use shovels to dig up dirt and pull dirt away from the objects.
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Picks
Archeologists use picks to chisel away at stone surrounding the objects.
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Brushes
Archeologists use brushes to gently brush away dirt without hurting the object they're trying to dig up.
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Small Household Objects
Don't use objects that you don't want to lose or wouldn't want to break. Old keys, utensils, buttons, broken pieces of toys or pottery, etc. are perfect. After your child digs up the objects, ask them what the ancient people did with the objects. If you really want to teach your kids the mysteries and challenges that archeologists face, put in objects that they don't normally see or use, like a corkscrew or shoe horn and have them guess what they are and how they're used.
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Rocks and Gems
You can find these just hanging around your yard, but if you really want to dazzle your kids, get a bunch of beautiful rocks and gems at a store that sells such items.
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Bones
Buy a 3D bone puzzle to put in the dig, and have your child excavate the bones, put them together (without the instructions), and try to figure out what the animal is.
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