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Dig for fossils

Dig for fossils
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Dig for and uncover replica fossils in a sandbox excavation, learn to identify, clean, and record finds while exploring paleontology basics safely.

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Step-by-step guide to dig for fossils

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Archaeology for Kids | Learn All About Fossils and Artefacts | PIEX Education

What you need
Adult supervision required, cup of water, magnifying glass, notebook, pencil, replica fossil toys or bones, sandbox or large container with play sand, small trowel or spoon, soft paintbrush or soft toothbrush, tray or bowl for finds

Step 1

Fill the sandbox or large container with play sand so you have a dig site to explore.

Step 2

Bury the replica fossils in different spots and at different depths so some are easy and some are tricky to find.

Step 3

Lay sticks or string on the sand to make a simple grid to map your dig squares.

Step 4

Choose one grid square and use the small trowel or spoon to dig gently in that square.

Step 5

Use the soft paintbrush to brush away loose sand and reveal any hidden shapes.

Step 6

Lift any uncovered fossil piece out carefully and place it on the tray or bowl to keep it safe.

Step 7

Look closely at the fossil with a magnifying glass to notice bumps lines and textures.

Step 8

Draw the fossil in your notebook and write the grid square and date next to your sketch.

Step 9

Hold the fossil over the tray and use a soft toothbrush dipped in a little water from the cup to brush away dirt gently.

Step 10

Ask an adult to help you compare your cleaned fossil to pictures in a book or online to identify it.

Step 11

Write the fossil’s name and one cool fact you learned about it in your notebook.

Step 12

Share a photo or description of your fossil hunt and what you discovered on DIY.org

Final steps

You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!

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Help!?

What can we use if we don't have play sand or replica fossils?

If you don't have play sand, fill the container with clean topsoil, rice, or kinetic sand, and substitute replica fossils with small plastic dinosaurs, shells, or painted rocks to bury in step 2.

What should we do if fossils keep breaking or getting missed while digging?

When digging in the chosen grid square (step 4), loosen sand gently with the spoon or trowel, use the soft paintbrush from step 5 to reveal shapes instead of scraping, and lift pieces slowly onto the tray to avoid damage.

How can we adapt the dig for different ages?

For younger children, bury larger items just under the surface and let them spoon and brush in one grid square with adult help, while older kids can make smaller grid squares, hide fossils at varying depths, and complete detailed sketches and identifications in the notebook per steps 7–11.

How can we make the activity more fun or educational after the dig?

Turn your findings into a mini 'museum' by labeling fossils with their grid square and date from step 8, creating info cards with the fossil name and fact from step 11, photographing them for the DIY.org post in step 12, and arranging them on a tray for display.

Watch videos on how to dig for fossils

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What are Fossils? Science For Kids

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Facts about paleontology for kids

⛏️ Real paleontologists often use tiny tools like brushes, dental picks, and toothpicks to gently uncover fossils — not big hammers!

🧼 Cleaning a fossil takes patience: soft brushes, water, and careful scraping are common — haste can damage a specimen.

🦴 Fossils can be millions of years old — some formed when minerals slowly replaced bone or wood and turned them to stone.

📏 Measuring, drawing, and photographing finds are important — field notes let scientists (and kid-explorers) share discoveries accurately.

📋 Where a fossil is found (and how it sits in the rock) helps scientists figure out its age and the ancient environment it lived in.

How do I set up and run a backyard fossil dig activity?

Start by burying replica fossils in a sandbox or plastic tub, mixing shallow and deeper finds. Give each child a small trowel, brush, sieve, and field notebook. Demonstrate careful brushing and gentle digging, then show how to clean with a soft brush and water spray. Have kids identify finds using simple ID cards, label discoveries, record location and notes, and finish with group discussion about paleontology basics and cleanup.

What materials and tools do I need for a sandbox fossil excavation?

You'll need a sandbox or large plastic tub filled with sand, replica fossils, small trowels or spoons, soft paintbrushes, a handheld sieve, spray bottle with water, magnifying glass, pencils and a field notebook, sorting trays or zip bags, safety goggles and gloves. Optional: ID cards, clipboards, measuring tape, and a tarp to contain sand. Substitute household spoons and paintbrushes; avoid sharp tools and supervise use.

What ages is a fossil dig activity suitable for and how should I adapt it?

A fossil dig suits kids aged about 3 to 12, with adaptations: ages 3–5 enjoy sensory digging with big replica pieces and constant supervision; 6–8 can use small tools, record finds, and begin identification; 9–12 handle finer brushes, mapping, measurements, and research. Adjust difficulty, tool size, and explanation to the child’s attention and motor skills. Always supervise younger children and avoid small parts for toddlers.

What safety tips and benefits should I know for a kid-friendly fossil dig?

Safety first: supervise digging, use soft tools, wear goggles for dust, provide gloves and sun protection, and keep small replicas away from toddlers to prevent choking. Teach gentle brushing to avoid breakage and have hand-washing after play. Educational benefits include boosting observation, fine motor skills, scientific thinking, patience, teamwork, and interest in earth science. Variation ideas: themed digs (dinosaurs, marine fossils), timed excavations, or a classroom exhibit of finds.
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