Dinosaur Ice Excavation
A fun and educational hands-on activity for kids that combines art, science, and imaginative play by excavating small plastic dinosaurs frozen in ice.
Ingredients
Materials
- 6 pieces Small plastic dinosaurs
- 4 cups Water Enough to cover the dinosaurs completely
- 1 piece Large container or mold Loaf pan or ice cube trays work well
- 1 tablespoon Salt (optional) To speed up melting
- 2 pieces Plastic or toy tools E.g., spoons, hammers
- 1 piece Towels or a tray To catch melting water
Instructions
Preparing the Dinosaur Ice
- Choose your container that will hold water and your dinosaurs.
- Place small plastic dinosaurs in the container, arranging them as desired.
- Pour enough water into the container to cover the dinosaurs completely.
- Place the container in the freezer and allow it to freeze solid for several hours or overnight.
Conducting the Excavation
- Once frozen, remove the ice block from the container using warm water along the edges if necessary.
- Set the ice block on a towel or tray to catch any melting water.
- Provide tools like spoons or hammers for children to start the excavation.
- Instruct kids to chip away at the ice to uncover the hidden dinosaurs.
- Encourage them to feel the cold ice and listen to the sounds of cracking.
- Sprinkle salt on the ice as they dig for faster melting.
Notes
Consider adding food coloring before freezing for vibrant ice colors, or include small objects in the ice for themed environments. Pair excavation with dinosaur facts for an educational twist.