PRINGLES CAN EXCAVATION

In this quick and inexpensive tutorial, we are going to show you how to make a super cool Pringles Can Excavation for the young Excavating Adventurers in your life to dig into and enjoy. This excavation activity is unique because of the cylindrical shape of the Pringles container that will add a new challenge for more experienced excavators.

 

Fun Fact: The cylindrical Pringles cans were created specifically to hold the stackable chips in place and keep them fresh and unbroken.

 

Excavating Adventures Pro Tip: Since the Excavating Adventurer will uncover the items near the top of the Pringles can first, you may want to put the better items near the bottom, or put excavation items in an order where they get progressively better as they dig further into the can.

 

If you love making your own excavations and are looking for other DIY dig kit ideas, then check out our extensive Excavating Adventures Blog. We have the world’s largest collection of excavation ideas and we keep adding new stuff every day. We love excavating so much, we try and create excavation ideas and dig kits for every occasion!

 

Materials:

Sand

Plaster of Paris

Water

Mixing Bowl

Wooden spoon

Measuring cups

You will need a long wooden dowel for this excavation activity that will reach the bottom of the can. Chopsticks actually work well. Be sure to have safety goggles to keep dust and debris out of eyes. These will be the excavation tools and safety equipment your Excavating Adventurer will need to explore and enjoy their excavation.

Pringles can and lid – You can also use the smaller snack size Pringles cans if you are looking to create a smaller excavation.

Excavation items – You can add tumbled gemstones, toy cars, Legos, plastic animals, or pretty much anything you like. The Pringles can will hold a lot of items so get creative with what you chose to include.

 

Check out our Excavating Adventures Extreme excavation kits. These kits contain rocks, minerals, fossils, seashells and more that you simply cannot find in other dig kits. Each of our unique specimens come with a collectible trading card and display case. Get yours today!

 

Directions:

  1. Optional – You can decorate the can if you like by painting it, wrapping it in construction paper, or adding stickers. I think this excavation looks cool just keeping the Pringles can the way it comes, but feel free to decorate the can as you see fit. 
  2. Place excavation items in the bottom two inches of the can. Remember to put your most exciting items in the bottom of the can as these will be the last items discovered.
  3. Mix 1 cups sand with 1/3 cup Plaster of Paris.
  4. Add 1/3 cup of water and mix until you have a pancake batter consistency.
  5. Pour the mixture over the items.
  6. Allow to set for five to eight minutes. Add another couple inches of excavation items. Then make another batch of mixture and pour it into the container. Keep adding items and layers of mixture until the Pringles can is full. Do not allow the mixture to go above the rim of the can so we can put the lid on later.
  7. Place the excavation in front of a fan for several days until it is completely dry. This excavation takes longer to dry than most because of the shape of the container.
  8. Once the excavation is completely dry, put the lid on the can.
  9. Once you are ready to let you Excavating Adventurer enjoy the Pringles Can Excavation you have created, find an area that can get a little dirty but be easily cleaned up. Provide the safety goggles and excavations tools and let them dig in and discover the awesome items you have hidden inside. Remember that this excavation may take several days to excavate due to the shape of the container and size of the excavation.

 

Excavating Adventure Pro Tip: This excavation travels well and usually takes several sittings to complete so take it on a road trip to give your youngsters something fun to work and stay entertained during down times. And if you are going on a road trip, encourage your kids to try our virtual gem mining experience where they get rewarded with free rocks, minerals, fossils, and more! We also have a cool blog post on how to make your own Road Trip Excavations to take on your next adventure.

 

Ever been on a virtual gem mining experience? Check out our totally free Digital Dig program. Answer trivia and earn points to exchange for real rocks, fossils, excavation kits and more!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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