In this super, fun, easy and inexpensive tutorial, we are going to make a Gold Mine Edible Excavation that the young Excavating Adventurers in your life will love. This Gold Mine Edible Excavation takes the good old fashioned Rice Krispies Treats recipe, but we add a fun Excavating Adventures spin. We’ll take this tasty treat and turn it into a delicious gold mine to explore and discover the yummy gold nuggets we have hidden inside.
Excavating Adventures Pro Tip: Use this edible excavation to create some fun and excitement around topics or lessons concerning gold, The Gold Rush, mining, and more!
Materials:
6 Tbsp salted butter
6 cups mini marshmallows – Mini marshmallows melt easier than the larger ones.
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
4 cups Cocoa Rice Krispies cereal
Pack of M&Ms
Edible gold spray
Wax paper
13 x 9 x 2-inch pan
Measuring cups and spoons
Spatula
Cooking spray
Plastic spoons, forks, and knives. These will be the excavation tools.
- Place M&Ms on the wax paper and spray with the gold spray.
- Flip the M&Ms over and spray the other side to make your gold nuggets.
- In large saucepan melt butter over low heat.
- Add the mini marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat.
- Add the Rice Krispies cereal. Stir until well coated.
- Coat the 13 x 9 x 2-inch pan with cooking spray.
- Using a buttered spatula or wax paper, evenly press a thin layer of mixture into the pan.
- Quickly scatter the gold painted M&Ms in the pan and press another layer of Rice Krispies mixture on top.
- Allow to cool.
- Cut into 2-inch squares. The Gold Mine Edible Excavation is best if served the same day.
- Distribute the “excavation tools” and encourage the Excavating Adventurers to dig in and discover the gold nuggets as they become prospectors for the day.
Golden Adventures: Fun Facts About Gold Mining!
Fun Facts about Gold Mining:
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Gold has been mined for thousands of years and has fascinated people with its beauty and value.
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The largest gold nugget ever found weighed over 70 kilograms (154 pounds)!
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Gold is often found in rivers and streams, as it gets carried downstream by water erosion.
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People use different methods to extract gold from the earth, such as panning, sluicing, and using heavy machinery like dredges.
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During the California Gold Rush in the 1800s, thousands of people traveled to California in search of gold, hoping to strike it rich.
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The process of gold mining involves breaking up rocks and soil to extract the tiny particles of gold hidden within.
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Gold mining can have a significant impact on the environment, as it often involves large-scale excavation and the use of chemicals to extract gold.
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In some parts of the world, gold is still mined by hand using traditional methods passed down through generations.
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The largest gold-producing country in the world is China, followed by Australia and Russia.
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Gold is used for more than just jewelry. It is also used in electronics, dentistry, and even in space exploration!
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The purity of gold is measured in karats. Pure gold is 24 karats, but most jewelry is made with 14 or 18 karat gold.
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The discovery of gold can lead to the development of mining towns and communities, creating opportunities for people to live and work in those areas.
Remember, gold mining is an exciting adventure that has shaped history and continues to be an important industry around the world!
Excavating Adventures Pro Tip: Planning a geology themed birthday party? These Gold Mine Edible Excavations are always a huge hit. Your birthday party guests will love digging into these delicious treats and discovering the chocolate rocks inside. You may also want to consider including our Rocks and Minerals Birthday Digs in your celebration. Each no-prep kit is designed to excite and entertain birthday guest and is filled with real rocks and minerals for your guest to discover and collect! We also have tons of excavation ideas and tutorials if you wanting to make your own geology themed excavation activities. Check them out and Happy Excavating!
Question 1: Where is gold often found? A) Deserts B) Mountains C) Caves D) Oceans
Correct answer: B) Mountains
Question 2: What method is commonly used to extract gold from the earth? A) Planting B) Sculpting C) Mining D) Cooking
Correct answer: C) Mining
Question 3: What is the largest gold-producing country in the world? A) United States B) China C) Canada D) South Africa
Correct answer: B) China