Quick Details
Student
Grades K–5
$ 25
Dig In! Discover the Past. Imagine the Prehistoric World.
Step into the shoes of a paleontologist and uncover the ancient secrets buried beneath our feet! In Fossil Finders, curious kids will explore the world of dinosaurs, ancient sea creatures, and long-lost plants as they learn how fossils form and what they can tell us about Earth’s history.
Through inquiry-based, hands-on STEAM activities, students will simulate fossil digs, create their own fossil impressions, build dino skeleton models, and use real tools and techniques to uncover the past—always adapted to suit their age and abilities.
Literature connections will spark the imagination and support scientific learning with captivating picture books, fascinating non-fiction, and exciting stories of real-life fossil discoveries.
From trilobites to T. rex, Fossil Finders takes children on an unforgettable journey through time—one fossil at a time!
All materials and expectations are adjusted for developmental levels—ensuring that a kindergartener builds confidence and wonder while a fifth grader dives deeper into complex concepts and creative thinking.
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- Learn how fossils are formed and where they are found
- Dig, brush, and sift like real paleontologists in simulated digs
- Study dinosaur adaptations, ancient habitats, and extinction
- Explore the fossil record to understand Earth’s prehistoric past
- Get creative with fossil art, models, and building challenges
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Fossil Finders integrates rich literature and hands-on learning to deepen understanding and spark excitement across all grade levels.
Literature Connection:
Each session is enriched with thoughtfully selected fiction and nonfiction texts that bring the prehistoric world to life. Stories and books are matched to developmental levels, encouraging curiosity, vocabulary growth, and comprehension.
Sample titles may include:
- “Fossil” by Bill Thomson – a wordless picture book that invites observation and storytelling
- “Boy, Were We Wrong About Dinosaurs!” by Kathleen V. Kudlinski – challenges misconceptions with fun facts
- “Dinosaur Lady” by Linda Skeers – biography of Mary Anning, a real fossil hunter
- “National Geographic Kids: Dinosaurs” – engaging visuals and facts for budding scientists
- Poems and riddles about ancient creatures and geology to spark discussion and play
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Children explore like real paleontologists through age-appropriate, hands-on challenges that combine science, technology, engineering, art, and math.
Activities are guided by student curiosity and built to encourage observation, questioning, and experimentation:
- Simulated fossil digs with tools, grids, and recording sheets
- Make-your-own fossil imprints using clay, shells, and bones
- Create and label dinosaur skeletons using craft sticks, pasta, or 3D puzzle kits
- Excavation experiments with ice or plaster “fossil” blocks
- Engineering challenges like building a protective fossil transport container
- Art-based activities such as fossil rubbings, prehistoric creature drawings, and layering Earth’s strata with mixed media