YUMMY GUMMY SHARK SEARCH

 

In this super quick and easy edible excavation tutorial, we are going to make a Yummy Gummy Shark Search for your young Excavating Adventurer to dig in and enjoy. This tasty treat is inexpensive, super easy to make, and a lot of fun.

 

Excavating Adventures Pro Tip: Don’t have any shark gummies? No problem! You can easily use gummy bears or gummy worms and let your young Excavating Adventurer's imagination take over. They will enjoy this edible excavation no matter what you hide inside.

 

Check out our Dinosaur Discovery kit and find real fossilized shark teeth that are millions of years old!

 

Materials:

6 Tbsp salted butter

6 cups mini marshmallows – Mini marshmallows melt easier than the larger ones.

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

4 cups Rice Krispie cereal

Gummy sharks – You can often find these at candy shops, but they may be easier to find online.

Optional – Blue food coloring

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.

 

Check out our other shark excavation ideas and DIY dig kits.

 

  1. In large saucepan melt butter over low heat.
  2. Add the mini marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat.
  3. Add a drop or two of blue food coloring. This step is not required but does give our edible excavation a cool ocean.
  4. Add the Rice Krispies cereal. Stir until well coated.
  5. Coat the 13 x 9 x 2-inch pan with cooking spray.
  6. Using a buttered spatula or wax paper, evenly press a thin layer of mixture into the pan.
  7. Quickly scatter gummy sharks in the pan and press another layer of Rice Krispies mixture on top.
  8. Allow to cool.
  9. Cut into 2-inch squares. The Yummy Gummy Shark Search is best if served the same day.
  10. Distribute the “excavation tools” and encourage the Excavating Adventurers to dig in and discover the sharks as they become marine biologists for the day.

 

If you enjoyed this fun Yummy Gummy Shark Search, be sure to check our other awesome edible excavation ideas.

 

 

Fins and Fossils: Fun Facts About Shark Fossils!

Fun Facts about Shark Fossils:

  1. Sharks have been around for over 400 million years, and their fossils provide valuable insights into the ancient oceans and the evolution of these magnificent creatures.

  2. Shark fossils are often found in sedimentary rocks, such as limestone and shale, that preserve the remains of marine life from long ago.

  3. Shark teeth are among the most common shark fossils found, as they are made of tough enamel that resists decay and can survive for millions of years.

  4. The shape and size of shark teeth vary among different species, with some having triangular, serrated teeth for hunting, while others have flattened teeth for crushing shells.

  5. Fossilized shark teeth can be used to learn about the diet and behavior of ancient sharks, as well as the ecological conditions of the past.

  6. In addition to teeth, other shark fossils include vertebrae (spine bones), fin spines, and sometimes even complete skeletal remains.

  7. Some shark fossils, like the Megalodon, an extinct giant shark species, have captured the imagination of people worldwide. Megalodon was one of the largest predators to ever swim the oceans.

  8. Fossils of ancient sharks have been found on every continent, revealing the global distribution and diversity of these fascinating creatures throughout history.

  9. Paleontologists study shark fossils to understand the evolutionary history of sharks and their relatives, helping us piece together the puzzle of life on Earth.

  10. Shark fossils can also provide clues about the ancient environments in which they lived, such as the temperature, depth, and composition of the oceans.

  11. Some well-known fossil shark species include the Great White Shark, Hammerhead Shark, and Goblin Shark, each with their unique adaptations and features.

  12. Exploring the world of shark fossils allows us to marvel at the wonders of the past and gain a deeper appreciation for the incredible diversity of life on our planet.

Remember, shark fossils offer a glimpse into the prehistoric world beneath the waves and the fascinating history of these extraordinary creatures!

 

Excavating Adventures Pro Tip: Planning an ocean themed birthday party? These Yummy Gummy Shark Search treats are always a huge hit. Your birthday party guests will love digging into these delicious treats and discovering the gummy sharks hidden inside. You may also want to consider including our Seashell Birthday Digs in your celebration. Each no-prep kit is designed to excite and entertain birthday guests and is filled with real seashells for your guest to discover and collect! We also have tons of DIY blog posts if you are  wanting to make your own ocean themed excavation activities. Check them out and Happy Excavating!

 

If you love excavating and discovering as much as we do, be sure to subscribe to Excavating Adventures and get an exciting new dig kit delivered every month!

 

 

 

Question 1: Which type of rocks are commonly associated with the preservation of shark fossils? A) Igneous rocks B) Metamorphic rocks C) Sedimentary rocks D) Volcanic rocks

Correct answer: C) Sedimentary rocks

Question 2: What part of a shark is commonly fossilized and found as fossils? A) Tail fin B) Gills C) Skeleton D) Scales

Correct answer: C) Skeleton

Question 3: What can shark fossils, such as teeth, tell us about ancient sharks? A) Their age B) Their coloration C) Their size D) Their migratory patterns

Correct answer: C) Their size

 

 

Back to EXCAVATING ADVENTURES BLOG