MindWare Dig It Up! Fossils & Minerals – Interactive Excavation Kit for Kids

MindWare's Dig It Up! Fossils & Minerals invites curious kids to turn a simple table into a geology adventure. In this hands-on excavation kit, 12 clay stones hide a fossil, mineral, or gem, ready to be uncovered with a safe chisel tool. The process blends tactile play with discovery and sparks questions about different specimens as light catches rough edges and sparkles of tiny crystals.

Designed for individual play or group sessions, it shines in classrooms, at parties, or during family learning time. The experience follows a repeatable routine that makes science feel approachable: soak the stone to loosen the clay, carefully chisel away to reveal the treasure inside, and rinse to clean up before sorting and sharing discoveries.

What’s inside and how it works

• 12 clay stones prepped for digging, each with its own chisel tool and instruction sheet
• 12 instruction sheets plus 1 Excavation Guidebook to add context and ideas for activities
• A simple, kid-friendly workflow you can repeat: soak, chisel, reveal, rinse

The Excavation Guidebook pairs each find with kid-accessible facts and creative prompts, turning a reveal into a learning moment. Whether you discover a petrified wood fragment, a gleaming pyrite shard, or an ancient-looking fossil impression, the guide invites discussion about how these materials formed and what they might tell us about the past.

Learning through hands-on exploration

Beyond the thrill of discovery, this kit supports sensory engagement, critical thinking, and early science literacy. The visible textures and colors—cool clay, rough stone, metallic glitter, and chalky residues—offer tangible clues that invite questions and curiosity, while the accompanying activities provide structured, low-pressure ways to compare findings.

Group-friendly play and classroom use

• Ideal for large groups, classrooms, or home parties with an inclusive, collaborative setup
• 12 individually-wrapped stones make it easy to organize stations or rotations

Age guidance begins at four years and up, with optional adult guidance. The kit supports a range of play styles, from solo digging to guided group challenges, making it a versatile option for science centers, craft corners, or learning corners at home.