Free dig kits can give your class a hands-on starting point for a focused observation lesson. When students uncover a small specimen, invite them to look closely before they try to name it.
Excavating Adventures specimens are generally around pinky-tip size and no larger than a marble. Plan for close-up observation of small finds. The accompanying fingertip illustration shows the intended scale; it is not a photograph of exact kit contents.
Start with two observations and one question
Once a specimen is ready to examine, place it on a clear work surface. Ask students to draw its outline and write two details they can see. They might describe an edge, a color, or the way light looks on one surface. A classroom magnifier can be an optional aid if you already have one.
Then ask for one question. What would they like to look at more closely? What would they need to learn before making an identification?
Keep the observation and the question separate. For example, “One side looks rough” is an observation a student could record if it matches their find. “Why do the two sides look different?” is a question to explore. These are example prompts, not descriptions of guaranteed specimens.
Let a partner check the detail
Have partners share one observation and point to the part of the specimen that supports it. If the partner notices something else, add that detail to the notes. This activity gives students a chance to practice describing what is visible and explaining what led to that description.
For younger writers, try a labeled sketch or a spoken answer. Students who are ready for more writing can finish the sentence, “I noticed ___ when I looked at ___.” Choose the format that fits your class.
Keep one useful record
Save the sketch, two observations, and one question together. Return to that record during a later discussion or identification activity. Follow the product’s age and safety guidance and your school’s procedures for small parts.
Explore free dig kits for your classroom
Every $250 USD in qualifying paid purchases attributed to your campaign earns 25 Free Dig Kits. Qualifying merchandise revenue is counted after discounts and refunds, excluding tax and shipping. Partial progress carries forward, campaigns stay active, and your goal never limits earning. No teacher purchase is required. Adventure Hosts redeem available earned kits in multiples of 25 through secure Shopify checkout after organization verification. FREE U.S. shipping when redeeming 100 or more kits. Shipping charges apply to U.S. redemptions below 100 kits and to all international redemptions. International duties and taxes may also apply. Redeem again when sufficient newly earned kits are available.
See the current requirements and start your classroom campaign: https://excavatingadventures.com/pages/free-dig-kits
You can also use free teaching resources without a physical kit: https://excavatingadventures.com/pages/free-resources
