Ice-Excavation Dinosaur Dig
A thrilling hands-on craft where children excavate buried toy dinosaurs from ice blocks, combining education and excitement.
Ingredients
Craft Materials
- 5 pieces Toy dinosaurs (plastic) Ensure they are safe for the age group and can withstand freezing.
- 4 cups Water Plain water is best for easy cleanup.
- 1 large Large container (like a muffin tin or plastic bowl) For holding the ice blocks.
- 1 tablespoon Salt Optional for speeding up melting.
- 3 pieces Tools for excavation (such as paintbrushes, spoons, or small hammers) To assist in digging out the dinosaurs.
- 1 pieces Towels or a mat For easy cleanup after excavation.
Instructions
Preparation
- Place one toy dinosaur in each compartment of your container.
- Pour water over the dinosaurs until they’re fully submerged.
- Freeze for several hours or overnight until solid.
Excavation Setup
- Once frozen, remove the ice blocks from the container.
- Place the ice blocks on a towel or mat to catch any melting water.
Excavation
- Provide children with their excavation tools.
- Encourage them to gently chip away the ice to free the dinosaurs.
- Remind them to use their brushes to sweep away ice fragments and uncover their treasures.
Explore and Play
- Once the dinosaurs are excavated, kids can clean them off and engage in imaginative play.
- Discuss the different types of dinosaurs they discover and what they might have looked like when alive.
Notes
Customize the dinosaurs with different types of toy figures, or add food coloring to the water before freezing for a colorful effect. Consider creating a small habitat for the dinosaurs with rocks or toy trees after excavation.