Dig It Up! Minerals and Fossils: A First Digging Guide

Start with the stones, not the mess

Dig It Up! Minerals and Fossils gives kids a real paleontologist-style task: excavate 12 stones to uncover minerals and fossils. Each stone contains one or more samples, such as petrified wood, honeycomb coral, snail fossils, smooth stones created from lava, rose quartz, and amethyst. The set includes 12 stones, 12 chisels, 12 instruction sheets, and 1 Field Guide, and it is recommended for 1–12 players, ages 4+.

Before any chisel touches a stone, set up a contained digging zone. A tray or shallow bin with raised edges keeps chips and dust from spreading, and a plastic tablecloth or newspaper underneath makes the final cleanup faster. Keep the Field Guide nearby so kids can compare finds as they go.

How to run the first excavation

The kit supplies chisels and instruction sheets, but the supplied information does not include a specific digging technique or safety instructions. Use the following as general setup guidance, and follow the included instruction sheets for any product-specific directions.

1. Set up a digging station: Place a tray or bin on a protected surface. Put the 12 stones in the tray, keep the chisels within reach, and open the Field Guide to the identification pages.
2. Let each child choose a stone: With 12 stones and up to 12 players, each child can start with one stone. If you have fewer players, work through the stones one at a time so the activity stays focused.
3. Excavate slowly: Use the chisel to break away the stone little by little. The goal is to uncover the samples inside without damaging them, so short, controlled taps work better than force.
4. Set finds aside: As samples come free, place them on a clean cloth or in a small dish. Keep the stone pieces separate so you can match each find to its original stone if needed.
5. Identify with the Field Guide: Use the Field Guide to learn how to identify each mineral or fossil. Compare color, texture, and shape, and read the guide's descriptions together.

What is in the box

• Dig It Up! - Minerals and Fossils: Contents include 12 stones, 12 chisels, 12 instruction sheets, and 1 Field Guide. Knowing the exact contents helps you plan for up to 12 diggers and keep the Field Guide accessible for identification.

  

• Dig It Up! - Minerals and Fossils: Recommended for 1–12 players, ages 4+. This range lets you use the kit for solo play or a small group, and it sets a clear age floor for the activity.

Cleanup that keeps the activity going

Excavation creates dust and small chips, so clean up in stages. First, brush loose debris from the tray into a trash bag. Then wipe the chisels and tray with a damp cloth. Keep the Field Guide and any identified samples together in a small container so the learning can continue after the digging is done.

If you plan to repeat the activity, store the unused stones, chisels, and instruction sheets in the original box or a labeled bin. The supplied information does not specify special storage requirements, so keep them dry and together to avoid losing pieces.

Making it a geology activity for kids at home

The kit is built around discovery, but you can extend the learning with simple habits that do not require extra supplies.

• Sort by type: After identification, group finds into categories such as fossils, lava stones, and minerals. This reinforces the differences described in the Field Guide.
• Keep a dig log: Have each child write or draw what they found and which stone it came from. The 12 instruction sheets can be used for notes if they are not needed for the dig itself.
• Compare textures: Let kids feel the difference between rough fossils and smooth lava stones. The supplied information lists both types, so this is a natural comparison.

Samples kids may uncover

• Dig It Up! - Minerals and Fossils: Each stone contains one or more samples of prehistoric evidence such as petrified wood, fossils of honeycomb coral and snails, smooth stones created from lava, and semi-precious minerals like rose quartz and amethyst. This variety means each stone can be a different discovery, which keeps the activity engaging across multiple diggers.