Fidget poppers are all the rage right now! So of course we figured out how to turn one into a fun excavation activity. Get ready to learn how to transform a simple fidget popper into a fun little excavation filled with a bunch of fun little popable excavations.
Excavating Adventures Pro Tip: Make a bunch of fidget popper excavations at once and use them as a fun activity in classrooms or at birthday parties or any group of young Excavating Adventures looking for a fun dig kit.
Materials:
Fidget popper – There are so many awesome shapes and sizes to choose from. You can pick standard shapes like squares and circles, animal shapes, dinosaur shapes, and even giant fidget poppers.
Sand – Colored sand is a great option
Plaster of Paris
Water
Mixing bowl
Wood spoon
Baking sheet, pan, or tray
Popsicle stick – this will be our excavation tool
Safety goggles
Optional - glitter
Items to excavate - The little bubble shaped cavities in fidget poppers are small. You will need to select small items for this excavation activity. I like to use tumbled gemstone chips. You can find these online for cheap. The small gemstones are very pretty and the assortments often include dozens of different types of rocks, gemstones, and minerals.
If you love fun little excavations like these, be sure to check out our huge assortment of Mini Digs! Excavating Adventures Mini Digs are small excavations that pack a big punch. Each kit is filled with specimens that come with a collectible trading card and specimen display case. Choose from hundreds of options including rocks, minerals, gemstones, fossils, seashells and more!
Directions:
- Set the fidget popper on the baking sheet. Fidget poppers are bendable so we are creating the excavation on a baking sheet in case we have to move it before it is fully dry.
- Place an excavation item in each cavity of the fidget popper.
- Mix 1 cup of sand with 1/3 cup of Plaster of Paris.
- Add 1/3 cup of water and mix thoroughly.
- Gently pour the mixture into the fidget popper. You want to do so carefully to avoid knocking the items out of the bubble cavities.
- Allow to dry overnight. It is best to set the excavation in front of a fan if possible.
- Once the fidget popper excavation is ready, find an area that can get a little messy, distribute the safety goggles and excavation tools, and let your Excavating Adventurer dig in and enjoy.
Sparkling Discoveries: Fun Facts about Tumbled Gemstone Chips and Their Educational Benefits!
Fun Facts about Tumbled Gemstone Chips:
-
Tumbled gemstone chips are not only fun to look at but also offer educational benefits for curious minds.
-
Collecting and studying tumbled gemstone chips can help kids learn about different types of gemstones, their colors, and unique properties.
-
Sorting and categorizing gemstone chips based on their colors, patterns, or energy properties can improve critical thinking and organizational skills.
-
Exploring the history and cultural significance of gemstones can provide insights into ancient civilizations and their beliefs about the Earth's treasures.
-
Learning about the formation of gemstones and the geological processes that create them can introduce kids to basic geology concepts.
-
Tumbled gemstone chips can be used as teaching aids for learning about colors, shapes, and patterns, enhancing visual perception and recognition skills.
-
Creating artwork or crafts using gemstone chips encourages creativity, fine motor skills, and the ability to express oneself through hands-on activities.
-
The act of collecting gemstone chips promotes observation skills, patience, and a sense of curiosity about the natural world.
-
Understanding the metaphysical properties attributed to different gemstones can foster an appreciation for the interconnectedness of nature and our well-being.
-
Studying and collecting gemstone chips can ignite an interest in earth sciences, leading to further exploration and research in related fields.
-
Engaging in group activities, such as trading gemstone chips or participating in gemstone-themed challenges, can encourage social interaction and cooperation.
-
Tumbled gemstone chips serve as tangible reminders of the beauty and wonders of the Earth, inspiring awe and curiosity about the natural world.
So, let your imagination sparkle and embark on an educational journey through the captivating realm of tumbled gemstone chips!
Excavating Adventures Pro Tip: Planning a dinosaur themed birthday party? Get a bunch of dinosaur shaped fidget poppers, a bag of small mixed fossils and fossil pieces, and make a batch of dinosaur shaped fidget popper excavations as a birthday party activity. You can also check out our Fossil Birthday Digs that are loaded with real fossils and even real dinosaur bones for your birthday party guests to discover, collect, and enjoy!
Question 1: What can you learn by studying and collecting tumbled gemstone chips? A) Different types of birds B) Ancient civilizations C) Mathematical equations D) Types of gemstones and their properties
Correct answer: D) Types of gemstones and their properties
Question 2: How can sorting and categorizing gemstone chips be beneficial? A) It improves cooking skills B) It enhances critical thinking and organizational skills C) It helps in memorizing historical dates D) It promotes dancing abilities
Correct answer: B) It enhances critical thinking and organizational skills
Question 3: What does creating artwork or crafts using gemstone chips encourage? A) Building sandcastles B) Fine motor skills and creativity C) Writing poetry D) Playing video games
Correct answer: B) Fine motor skills and creativity