DIY DIAMOND MINE DIG

• Sand (Colored sand works too!)
• Plaster of Paris
• Measuring cups
• Water
• Mixing bowl
• Spoon
• Container. Pretty much any container will do as long as it will hold the plaster mixture long enough to dry. Plastic takeout containers are a great option. 
• Diamonds. There are many great options for purchasing fake diamonds online. Some even come in pink and other colors. They even come in all kinds of different sizes. You may also be able to pull some fake diamonds from old costume jewelry. Just make sure you don't remove a real diamond from old jewelry!
• Excavation tools - Safety goggles, small brush, magnifying glass, and a chisel, nail, wooden dowel or some other tool to use to excavate. 
• Optional - Silver or gold glitter to sprinkle on the surface of the excavation once it has been poured. 

Pro tip: Soften the DIY Diamond Mine Dig with a little water if it is difficult for your young Excavating Adventurer to dig. 

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1. Place your diamonds in your container.
2. Dry mix one cup of sand with 1/3 cup of Plaster of Paris. Increase the recipe as needed to fill your container at a three parts sand to one part Plaster of Paris ratio. 
3. Add 1/3 cup of water and mix until you have a pancake like consistency. 
4. Pour the mixture over the diamonds.
5. Optional - Sprinkle some glitter on the surface of your excavation to give it a little sparkle. 
6. Allow to dry overnight.  
7. Once the excavation is completely dry, find an area that can get a little messy and be easily cleaned up. Distribute the safety goggles and excavation tools and let your Excavating Adventurer dive into the DIY Diamond Mine Dig!

Pro tip: This is a fun and easy little excavation activity that is very inexpensive. You can even make several of these and use them as activities for birthday parties!