Dig for records

What can we use if we don’t have a small shovel, paintbrush, or zip bags?

Use a sturdy kitchen spoon or plastic cup instead of the small shovel, a clean makeup or toothbrush in place of the paintbrush, and small containers or folded sandwich bags labeled with masking tape to hold finds when you follow the bag-and-label step.

What should we do if the sand keeps collapsing or we can’t see buried objects clearly while excavating?

Press down the masking tape grid edges to stabilize the square, scoop gently with the shovel or spoon into the tray, then use the paintbrush slowly to brush away sand so toy artifacts or sealed paper notes are revealed without damage.

How can we adapt the dig for different ages?

For toddlers make larger, shallower grid squares and pre-bury only obvious toy artifacts for supervised scooping, for elementary kids have them record the grid label, measure depth with the ruler, and draw the find in the field notebook, and for older kids require detailed sketches, a written hypothesis about use, and a labeled photo before sharing on DIY.org.

How can we extend or personalize the activity after the dig is done?

Create a mini-museum by placing each labeled zip bag on a tray with a written card from the field notebook noting grid square and depth, photograph the display, and make a map or slideshow to upload to DIY.org as your final exhibit.