Visit a real dig site

What can we use if we don’t have a small backpack, hat, or a proper notebook for the visit?

Use a sturdy tote or fanny pack to pack your materials for the "Pack your materials into your small backpack" step, a baseball cap or bandana for the "Put on your hat" step, and a folded sheet of paper clipped to a hardback book with a pencil for the "Write one clear sentence in your notebook" and sketch steps.

What should we do if researchers are too busy and we can’t see a live tool demonstration?

If you can’t watch the demo described in "Watch researchers demonstrate excavation techniques" or "Observe a researcher demonstrate how they use one digging tool," ask site staff at check-in for the next scheduled demonstration or request a brief viewing from the designated viewing area so you can still write your sentence and make a sketch.

How can this activity be adapted for younger kids or older children with more skills?

For younger children, have an adult help with check-in, carry materials, and write or sketch under "Write one clear sentence" and "Sketch one tool" while aiming for one question instead of three, and for older kids add measurements, labeled sketches, and extra questions about context to share on DIY.org.

How can we extend or personalize the visit beyond the basic instructions?

Enhance the activity by taking a photo of the digging tool during the demonstration, measuring its length to add to your sketch in the notebook, researching one related artifact before posting, and combining photo, sketch, measurements, and at least three questions into your DIY.org submission.