DIY Egyptian Archeological Dig Site
Make an Egyptian Archeological Dig Site at Home
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What is archeology?
Archaeology is the study of things that people from long ago used, made, or left behind. These things are called artifacts, and they can include things like bones, pottery, tools, and buildings. Archaeologists study these artifacts to learn about how people used to live and how societies developed over time.
Archaeologists use special tools to carefully dig up and clean artifacts so they can learn as much as possible from them. They might work at a site like an old city or a burial ground, carefully digging up artifacts and recording where they were found. They might also use special equipment like ground-penetrating radar to find artifacts buried underground.
Archaeology can help us learn about many different things, like what people ate, how they made things, what they believed, and how they interacted with each other and their environment. It's like putting together a puzzle from the past!
Archaeology can be a really exciting field because you never know what you might find. Maybe you'll discover a lost city or a treasure trove of ancient artifacts. Who knows what secrets from the past you might uncover!
What is an archeologist?
Archaeologists also study different cultures and societies, so they can learn about how people have lived throughout history. They might focus on a specific time period or location, such as ancient Egypt, to learn more about the people who lived there and how they interacted with their environment.
In summary, archaeologists are like detectives who use clues from the past to learn about how people used to live. It's a really interesting job, and who knows - maybe one day your child will become an archaeologist themselves!
Our quick and easy tutorial will show you how to create a Roman coin dig using amazing replica coins that can easily be found online. Your excavating adventurer will be transported to the heart of ancient Rome, where they'll dig deep and uncover a horde of valuable Roman coins, just waiting to be discovered!
With this one-of-a-kind activity, you'll be able to combine the excitement of a treasure hunt with the thrill of archeological discovery. So what are you waiting for? Grab your gear, strap on your helmet, and get ready to dig into the adventure of a lifetime with our incredible Roman coin dig!
What do archeologist do?
Prehistoric Archaeologists: These archaeologists study the time period before written history, such as the Stone Age, and focus on artifacts like stone tools and cave paintings.
Classical Archaeologists: These archaeologists study the ancient Greek and Roman civilizations, and focus on artifacts like pottery, sculptures, and architecture.
Historical Archaeologists: These archaeologists study the time period after written history, and focus on artifacts like documents, buildings, and objects from the recent past.
Underwater Archaeologists: These archaeologists study artifacts that have been submerged in water, such as shipwrecks, and use special equipment to excavate and study them.
Biblical Archaeologists: These archaeologists study the history of the Bible and try to find evidence to support the stories and events described in the Bible.
Zooarchaeologists: These archaeologists study animal remains to learn about how ancient people hunted, raised, and used animals for food, clothing, and other purposes.
Bioarchaeologists: These archaeologists study human remains to learn about how ancient people lived, their health, and their social structures.
Cultural Resource Management Archaeologists: These archaeologists work to preserve and manage archaeological sites, often in conjunction with government agencies or private companies.
Put on your archeology hat and get ready to dive headfirst into your very own archeological adventure with our ancient pottery dig site. With this unique activity, you'll be able to uncover rare and mysterious fragments of ancient pottery and put your detective skills to the test as you try to piece them back together.
Your excavating adventurers will be absolutely thrilled with this one-of-a-kind experience that combines learning, discovery, and hands-on fun. So don't wait another minute - grab your hat, grab your tools, and get ready to embark on a journey through time with our amazing ancient pottery dig site!
What is ancient Egypt?
The ancient Egyptians had their own writing system called hieroglyphics, which was made up of pictures and symbols. They also had many gods and goddesses that they worshipped, such as Ra, the sun god, and Isis, the goddess of magic.
The Egyptians were skilled builders and architects, and they built many impressive structures such as the Great Pyramid of Giza and the Sphinx. They also developed a complex system of irrigation to help them grow crops in the desert.
The pharaohs were the rulers of ancient Egypt, and they were believed to be gods on Earth. They were buried in elaborate tombs with all of their treasures and belongings, which is why we know so much about them today.
The ancient Egyptians also had a strong belief in the afterlife, and they believed that a person's soul would travel to the afterlife after they died. That's why they mummified their dead and buried them with their possessions, so they would have everything they needed in the afterlife.
Overall, ancient Egypt was a fascinating civilization with many unique customs and beliefs. It has left a lasting impact on our world today, and we continue to learn new things about this ancient civilization through archaeology and other fields of study.
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With our immersive archeological dig site experiences, you'll feel like you've been transported back in time to the land of the pharaohs. From challenging earth science trivia to virtual mining expeditions, every adventure is designed to push your skills to the limit and ignite your sense of wonder.
And that's not all - with live sessions hosted by our expert Excavating Adventures guides, you'll have access to exclusive insights and knowledge that will help you unlock the secrets of the past. Plus, every time you participate, you'll earn valuable points that can be redeemed for incredible Excavating Adventures products - absolutely free!
So what are you waiting for? Start your journey today and discover the treasures that await you at Dig Zone. Your rock collection and your mind will never be the same again!
Famous Egyptian Artifacts for Kids
The Great Pyramid of Giza: This is the largest and most famous pyramid in Egypt, built over 4,500 years ago. It was built as a tomb for the pharaoh Khufu and is made up of over 2 million stone blocks.
The Sphinx: This is a statue of a mythical creature with the body of a lion and the head of a human. It is over 4,500 years old and was built during the reign of pharaoh Khafre.
The Rosetta Stone: This is a stone slab with writing on it in three different scripts: Greek, Egyptian hieroglyphics, and Egyptian demotic. It was discovered in 1799 and was instrumental in helping scholars decode Egyptian hieroglyphics.
King Tutankhamun's Tomb: This is the tomb of the pharaoh Tutankhamun, who died when he was just 18 years old. It was discovered by archaeologist Howard Carter in 1922 and contained many treasures, including a solid gold mask.
The Book of the Dead: This is a collection of spells and prayers that was buried with the dead to help them in the afterlife. It was written on papyrus scrolls and decorated with colorful illustrations.
Canopic Jars: These were jars used to hold the internal organs of mummified bodies. They were decorated with the heads of four different gods, each representing a different organ.
The Ankh: This is a symbol of life that was commonly used in ancient Egypt. It looks like a cross with a loop at the top and was often worn as an amulet or depicted in art.
These are just a few examples of the many fascinating artifacts that have been discovered in ancient Egypt.
How to make a DIY Egyptian Archeological Dig Site
Materials:
- Sand
- Plaster of Paris
- Water
- Mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups
- Excavation tools. Wooden dowels and other blunt instruments work well. Sharp tools are unsafe and not necessary as the excavations are reasonably brittle and excavate easily.
- Safety goggles
- Small brush
- Air dry clay
- Toothpick, plastic knife, or popsicle stick.
- Pyramid shaped sand castle building beach toy. You can often find these at the dollar store and can easily get them online. I even saw little small pyramid molds that would make great little excavations. Don't worry if you do not have a pyramid shaped mold, any container will do!
- Optional - Buy an ancient Egypt playset online and use these items instead of the hieroglyphic slab we show you how to make below.
Pro tip: Get an old clay type vase from a thrift store. Paint it an earthen color and draw on some hieroglyphic style designs. Once dry, use a hammer and gently break the vase into several pieces. Sand down any sharp edges and add the pieces to your DIY Egyptian Archeological Dig. Your excavating adventurer will be able to discover the pieces, put them back together, and attempt to interpret the meaning behind the hieroglyphics.
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Instructions:
- Take a small amount of air dry clay and shape it into a slab. You will want to make sure the slab will fit in your pyramid mold.
- Use the toothpick, plastic knife, or popsicle stick to carve some hieroglyphic style shapes into the clay. You can look online for easy examples.
- Let dry for one or two days until completely hardened.
- Now, put one cup of sand in your mixing bowl.
- Add one-third cup Plaster of Paris.
- Use the wooden spoon to mix the sand and Plaster of Paris.
- Add one-third cup of water and mix.
- Keep adding small amounts of water until you reach a pancake like batter consistency.
- Add the hieroglyphic slab you created to the pyramid shaped container.
- Optional - You can break the hieroglyphic slab into pieces to add a little extra fun.
- Pour a layer of the mixture into the container to cover the hieroglyphic slab.
- Gently tap the sides of the container to remove any air bubbles. This will also allow a little mixture under and around the hieroglyphic slab.
- Set the DIY Egyptian Archeological Dig Site in a safe location to dry undisturbed overnight. I like to put the excavation in front of a fan. As the excavation dries, it will shrink slightly and should easily come out of the mold. Leave in front of a fan an additional night if the excavation is difficult to remove.
Pro tip: If you have young excavating adventurers, avoid pouring an excavation and use kinetic sand instead. They will love digging though the sand and discovering the hieroglyphic slab. You could even call it a Sahara Desert Sand Search for a little extra excitement!
Now the DIY Egyptian Archeological Dig Site is ready to be enjoyed. Find an area that is easy to clean up, distribute the safety goggles and excavation tools, and let the excavating begin.
Are you ready to embark on an exciting adventure to ancient Egypt? With this DIY Egyptian Archeological Dig Site, you can become an archaeologist and discover hidden treasures just like the experts! Get ready to dig up artifacts, learn about ancient civilizations, and have fun with archeology activities right in your own backyard. So, grab your tools, put on your explorer's hat, and let's get digging!
Pro tip: Create a key that deciphers your hieroglyphics. Then leave a secret message in your slab. Provide your excavating adventurer with the key once the slab has been excavated and see if they can decipher the message.
Fun Archeology Facts for Kids
Here are some fun archeology facts that kids might find interesting:
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Archaeology is the study of past human societies through the examination of artifacts, structures, and other physical remains.
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Archaeologists use a variety of tools to excavate and study artifacts, including brushes, trowels, shovels, and even dental picks!
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Some of the most famous archaeological discoveries in history include the Rosetta Stone, the Terracotta Army in China, and the discovery of King Tutankhamun's tomb in Egypt.
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The study of archaeology can help us learn about ancient cultures and civilizations, including their daily life, customs, and beliefs.
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Archaeologists also use scientific methods to analyze artifacts and other remains, such as carbon dating, DNA analysis, and isotopic analysis.
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Archaeologists work all over the world, from ancient cities to remote islands, and often have to endure difficult conditions, such as extreme heat, cold, or altitude.
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Archaeology is not just about discovering the past, it can also help us understand the present and shape the future by informing us about how human societies have evolved over time.
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Anyone can get involved in archaeology, whether as a professional archaeologist, a volunteer at a dig site, or simply by learning about the subject and visiting museums and archaeological sites.
These are just a few of the many fun facts about archaeology that kids can learn and explore!
