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Excavating Adventures Answer Center
Excavating Adventures Answer Center
Find quick answers for teachers, schools, PTAs, families, homeschool groups, libraries, camps, and science-program leaders. This hub connects practical support questions to the Adventure Library, the physical kit, and the 36 science Adventures.
Browse By Topic
- Getting Started 32
- Teachers & Classroom Use 107
- Physical Adventure Kits 49
- Schools & Decision Makers 29
- PTAs & Family Engagement 16
- Homeschool & Families 15
- Programs & Community Organizations 12
- Ordering & Support 51
- Science Answers 36
Getting Started
Use this answer to understand the basic Excavating Adventures flow: choose a science topic, prepare with helpful resources, enter an online Adventure, and add the physical kit when a hands-on field-trip moment fits.
- What is Excavating Adventures?
- Is Excavating Adventures a field trip, a science curriculum, a digital program, or a physical kit?
- Are Excavating Adventures free to use?
- Is a subscription, membership, or recurring fee required?
- Do I need to purchase a physical kit to use the online Adventures?
- Which Excavating Adventure should I try first?
- How does a complete Excavating Adventure work from beginning to end?
- How do the printable resources, online Adventure, and physical excavation connect?
- Why does the learning come before the physical dig?
- Can a teacher complete the entire experience in one session?
- Can the experience be divided across six separate lessons?
- How much teacher preparation is required?
- How does the six-topic structure work inside each main Adventure?
- How can I create the full field-trip feeling inside an ordinary classroom?
- Who is Excavating Adventures designed for?
- What ages and grade levels are the Science Adventures best for?
- What problem does Excavating Adventures solve for teachers and schools?
- What does Discover -> Identify -> Collect mean?
- What makes Excavating Adventures different from a normal science lesson?
- What makes Excavating Adventures different from a traditional field trip?
- What do students actually do during an Excavating Adventure?
- How long does a typical Excavating Adventure take?
- Can Excavating Adventures be used at school, at home, or in community programs?
- Can one Adventure work for an individual student, a small group, or an entire class?
- How does a student unlock the excavation mission?
- What happens during the Discover stage?
- What happens during the Identify stage?
- What happens during the Collect stage?
- Can teachers choose only part of an Adventure instead of using the full sequence?
- Can the same Adventure be repeated with a new class or different resources?
- Does a teacher need a live instructor to run the experience?
- What happens when students finish the online Adventure?
Teachers & Classroom Use
Use this answer while planning the classroom version of the experience. The teacher chooses one Adventure for the class, previews the six core topics, and decides how much time students need before the physical discovery.
- How do I set up an Excavating Adventure in my classroom?
- What is the easiest first-day implementation plan for a teacher?
- How can I turn one Adventure into a full six-lesson unit?
- How can I use the Adventure with only one classroom device and a projector?
- What does a complete teacher schedule for an Excavating Adventure look like?
- Are Excavating Adventures aligned with science standards?
- How are the 36 main Science Adventures organized?
- How can a school map the Adventures into a yearlong science plan?
- What free science resources are available from Excavating Adventures?
- Where can I find resources for a specific Adventure or science topic?
- How are website resources different from Teachers Pay Teachers resources?
- How should I sequence the resources, online Adventure, and physical dig?
- What makes an in-class science experience feel like a real field trip?
- How can the same physical kit support many different science themes?
- How can free science content lead naturally into a deeper hands-on experience?
- How can I run an Adventure in 30 minutes?
- How can I run an Adventure in a 45- or 60-minute science block?
- Should students work independently, in partners, in teams, or as a whole class?
- How many students can share one Adventure Kit?
- How can I use the Adventure when every student has a device?
- How can I organize the experience as classroom stations?
- How can I use Excavating Adventures during science centers?
- How can I use an Adventure as a unit launch?
- How can I use an Adventure as a unit review or culminating event?
- How can I use Excavating Adventures for an observation lesson?
- How can I leave an Excavating Adventure for a substitute teacher?
- How can I use the resources for morning work, early finishers, or homework?
- How can multiple classrooms complete the same Adventure?
- How can several grade levels use the same Adventure?
- How can I manage materials and student turns during the excavation?
- How can I keep students focused during the digital portion?
- How can I combine an Excavating Adventure with my existing textbook or curriculum?
- How can I connect the Adventure to reading, writing, math, or art?
- How do I assess what students learned during an Adventure?
- What should students record in a science notebook or field book?
- What devices can students use to open an online Adventure?
- Do the online Adventures work on Chromebooks, iPads, tablets, and computers?
- Can I present an Adventure on a projector or interactive whiteboard?
- Can teachers preview an Adventure before using it with students?
- Do the online Adventures contain advertisements or links away from the experience?
- Does each student need a separate device?
- Do students or teachers need an account or login?
- How much internet access is required?
- Can students complete an Adventure from home?
- Can I link an Adventure in Google Classroom, Canvas, or another learning platform?
- Can students save their progress and return later?
- Do the Adventures include audio, captions, or read-aloud support?
- What should I do if my school blocks an Adventure link?
- What should I do if an Adventure will not load or a button will not work?
- Is student information collected during an Adventure?
- Can I use an Adventure when the internet is unavailable?
- Is there a printable backup when technology does not cooperate?
- How do the Adventures connect to NGSS and state science standards?
- Which Adventures are best for grades 3-5?
- Can the Adventures be adapted for kindergarten through grade 2?
- Can the Adventures be used with middle school students?
- Is Excavating Adventures a complete curriculum or a supplemental program?
- Why are the Adventures divided into Earth, Life, and Physical Science?
- Why does each main Adventure contain six core topics?
- Can a teacher see the learning objectives before using an Adventure?
- Are standards correlations available for each Adventure?
- Do the Adventures teach science and engineering practices?
- How is engineering design included across the program?
- Do the resources include science vocabulary?
- Are reading levels identified for student materials?
- Do the Adventures include formative assessment opportunities?
- Can an Adventure be used as a summative assessment?
- Are answer keys or teacher guides included?
- How can students show evidence of learning after the Adventure?
- How do the free resources prepare students for the online Adventure?
- Can I use the free resources without purchasing a kit?
- What types of worksheets, readings, task cards, games, and activities are available?
- Do downloadable resources include answer keys?
- Are the resources print-and-go?
- Are any resources editable?
- How often are new resources added?
- Can I share a downloaded resource with another teacher?
- Can a school use one resource across multiple classrooms?
- How do I find all resources connected to one of the six core topics?
- How can I be notified when new Adventures and resources are released?
- How can Excavating Adventures support students with different learning needs?
- How can I adapt an Adventure for struggling readers?
- How can I use the Adventures with English language learners?
- How can I challenge gifted or advanced students?
- Can nonreaders participate in an Adventure?
- How can I use the experience with students who need shorter tasks or frequent breaks?
- What accommodations can be made for fine-motor challenges?
- What accommodations can be made for mobility limitations?
- How can I support students with sensory sensitivities during the excavation?
- Can students who dislike messy activities still participate?
- Are there alternatives for students who cannot complete the physical dig?
- How can I support students with hearing or visual impairments?
- How can I adapt the Adventure for a self-contained special education classroom?
- Can the program be used in intervention or small-group instruction?
- How can I offer multiple ways for students to show what they learned?
- How can a teacher create an immersive science environment without leaving school?
- How does a classroom field trip compare with a traditional off-site field trip?
- How can schools provide hands-on science without buses, permission slips, or travel?
- Why combine an online mission with a real physical discovery?
- How can a physical specimen act as the payoff for learning?
- How can Adventures increase curiosity before a science lesson?
- How can teachers use mystery, missions, and storytelling without weakening the science?
- How can hands-on discovery support inquiry-based learning?
- How can students practice observation, classification, and evidence-based reasoning?
- How can an Adventure encourage teamwork and scientific discussion?
- How can a teacher maintain excitement while still meeting learning objectives?
- How can an Adventure become a memorable unit finale?
Physical Adventure Kits
Use this answer to understand how the physical kit supports the learning. The current product strategy is one universal kit that can connect to any of the 36 Adventures instead of separate theme-specific kit inventory.
- What is a Physical Adventure Kit?
- What is included in an Excavating Adventures Kit?
- How does the six-compartment excavation work?
- Can I open one compartment at a time?
- Can one kit be used across six separate lessons?
- How many kits does my class need?
- Can the kit be used without the online Adventure?
- Can the online Adventure be used without the kit?
- How messy is the physical excavation?
- What should I do if a kit is missing an item or arrives damaged?
- Does each compartment contain a different specimen?
- Does every student need an individual kit?
- How long does the physical excavation take?
- What tools are included with the kit?
- Are the tools and specimen cards reusable?
- Do I need water, hammers, or special equipment?
- How difficult is the excavation for elementary students?
- Can younger students complete the dig with adult help?
- Can students take their specimens home?
- How much desk or table space does each student need?
- Can the excavation be completed indoors?
- Can the kit be used outside?
- How should unopened kits be stored?
- How long can an unopened kit be stored?
- Are classroom kits and home kits different?
- Can I choose which Adventure theme or label appears on the kit?
- Can I reorder only the physical kits after using the free resources?
- Are the specimens in the kits real rocks, minerals, fossils, or natural materials?
- What specimens may be included in an Adventure Kit?
- Can a school or customer request specific specimens?
- Will every student receive the same specimens?
- Why are real specimens included in every science Adventure?
- How do the specimens connect to Life Science and Physical Science topics?
- How large are the specimens?
- Are the specimens rough, polished, or tumbled?
- How do students identify the specimens they uncover?
- What information is included on the specimen cards?
- Do specimen cards include QR codes, augmented reality, or other digital features?
- Do the cards match the specimens in the excavation?
- What should students do when two specimens look similar?
- Can specimen selections change because of natural variation or availability?
- Are natural color, shape, and size differences normal?
- Can students build a permanent science collection from the kits?
- How should students label and store their specimens?
- How can teachers use specimen properties for additional lessons?
- What happens if a student receives a duplicate specimen?
- Where do the specimens come from?
- How do you select specimens that are appropriate for children?
- What are Gemlings, and how do they relate to the specimens and Adventures?
Schools & Decision Makers
Use this answer to evaluate whether Excavating Adventures fits a school need. The strongest school use case is a flexible hands-on science experience that reduces off-site field-trip logistics while still giving students a memorable event.
- Why should a school adopt Excavating Adventures?
- How can Excavating Adventures support a school's science goals?
- How can a teacher get funding for Adventure Kits?
- Can a PTA, donor, or local business sponsor classroom kits?
- How can I write a classroom grant request for Excavating Adventures?
- How does the program reduce teacher planning and field-trip logistics?
- How can a principal evaluate whether the program is a good fit?
- Can a school pilot one Adventure before placing a larger order?
- Can a school request a sample kit for curriculum or purchasing review?
- What vendor, insurance, safety, or compliance documents can Excavating Adventures provide?
- How can multiple grade levels use the same program?
- How can a school implement Adventures consistently across classrooms?
- What teacher training or implementation support is available?
- How do the Adventures support standards-based instruction?
- How can the program strengthen a school's STEM initiative?
- How can Excavating Adventures support family and community engagement?
- How can the program provide equitable access to hands-on science?
- What information is available for curriculum review or purchase approval?
- How can a school estimate the total cost of implementation?
- How can a school measure participation, engagement, and learning after implementation?
- What school funding categories may be appropriate for hands-on science materials?
- Is there a sample purchase justification for administrators?
- Can the program be added to a classroom wish list or donor campaign?
- Can a school begin with a small pilot and expand later?
- Are district, charter-network, or multi-school partnerships available?
- Can community organizations sponsor kits for underserved students?
- Are nonprofit or community partnership opportunities available?
- Does Excavating Adventures work with teacher ambassadors or affiliates?
- How can a business or foundation support free science experiences for schools?
PTAs & Family Engagement
Use this answer to plan family-facing or school-support uses. Excavating Adventures can support STEM nights, classroom kit sponsorships, take-home experiences, and low-lift family science engagement.
- How can a PTA or PTO use Excavating Adventures?
- Can a PTA sponsor Adventure Kits for classrooms?
- How can Excavating Adventures be used for a family science night?
- How can a school run a schoolwide excavation event?
- Can volunteers run the experience without being science experts?
- How many kits are needed for a family or community event?
- How should stations and student flow be organized at a STEM night?
- Can families complete the online Adventure before or after the event?
- Can home kit sales help support classroom science experiences?
- Can a PTA purchase kits as a teacher appreciation or classroom gift?
- Are event flyers, instructions, or promotional materials available?
- Can an event be customized around one science theme?
- Can kits, labels, or event materials be customized for a school, sponsor, or special event?
- How far in advance should a PTA place an order?
- How can kits be distributed for a take-home event?
- How can a PTA explain the educational value of the program to families?
Homeschool & Families
Use this answer to plan a home version of the experience. Families can choose one Adventure, move through the online or printable training at a comfortable pace, and use the kit as a hands-on discovery moment.
- Can the Adventures help a child who is reluctant to do traditional worksheets?
- Can Excavating Adventures be used as a homeschool science program?
- How much parent preparation is required?
- Can siblings of different ages complete the same Adventure?
- Can one family share one Physical Adventure Kit?
- How can a homeschool family use one Adventure across several days?
- How can the Adventures be documented for a homeschool portfolio?
- Do parents need a science background?
- How much of the experience involves a screen?
- How does the physical kit balance the digital learning?
- Can the Adventures support a child who loves rocks, fossils, animals, or experiments?
- Can homeschool co-ops use the program with a group?
- Are the kits appropriate as educational gifts or birthday activities?
- How messy is the experience in a home setting?
- Can families begin with free resources before purchasing a kit?
Programs & Community Organizations
Use this answer to plan a group science experience outside the regular classroom. One Adventure can become a station rotation, a single-event mission, a weeklong camp theme, or a mixed-age enrichment activity.
- Can a library use Excavating Adventures for a science program?
- Can a summer camp build a themed session around an Adventure?
- Can an after-school program use the Adventures with mixed-age groups?
- Can scouting or youth organizations use the kits for science activities?
- How many participants can one facilitator manage?
- How can a program rotate groups through digital, learning, and excavation stations?
- Do facilitators need formal science training?
- Can the program be completed in a single event?
- Can one Adventure be expanded into a weeklong camp theme?
- Can participants take their specimens home?
- What should a community program budget per participant?
- How can an organization request a quote for a large group?
Ordering & Support
Use this answer to find the cleanest next step for ordering, pricing, shipping, support, or troubleshooting. Current product pages and formal quotes are the best source for numbers and policy details that can change.
- How much does an Excavating Adventures Kit cost?
- How can I estimate the cost per student?
- Are bulk or school-order prices available?
- Is there a minimum order quantity?
- How do I request a formal quote?
- Can schools pay with a purchase order?
- Can you provide an invoice, W-9, vendor form, or other purchasing documents?
- Can tax-exempt schools and organizations place an order?
- What payment methods are accepted?
- Can an order be divided among several classrooms or funding sources?
- Can one order be shipped to multiple school or family addresses?
- How long does order processing take?
- How long does shipping usually take?
- Is rush processing or expedited shipping available?
- How can I track my order?
- Can I change an order or shipping address after submitting it?
- What should I do if my package is delayed, lost, or marked delivered?
- What should I do if products arrive damaged or incomplete?
- What is the cancellation or return policy?
- Can I place a custom or unusually large order?
- How do I reorder kits for a future class or event?
- Are Excavating Adventures Kits safe for elementary students?
- What adult supervision is recommended?
- Are there small parts or choking hazards?
- Do students need safety goggles or protective equipment?
- What materials are used to make the excavation?
- Does the excavation create dust?
- How can I reduce dust and keep tables clean?
- What is the fastest way to set up the classroom before the dig?
- What is the fastest way to clean up after the dig?
- Should teachers cover tables or use trays?
- Can the excavation material be washed down a sink?
- How should unused compartments be protected between lessons?
- What should I do if the excavation feels too hard?
- What should I do if the excavation crumbles too quickly?
- What should I do if a specimen seems stuck or difficult to remove?
- What should I do if a tool breaks?
- What should I do if a specimen or card is lost?
- What should I do if a student opens the wrong compartment?
- What information should I keep in case I need customer support?
- How do I contact Excavating Adventures for help?
- Who created Excavating Adventures?
- Why was Excavating Adventures created?
- What teaching and science-education experience is behind the program?
- How does Excavating Adventures review science information for accuracy?
- What is the mission of Excavating Adventures?
- How does the company decide which Adventures and resources to build next?
- How does Excavating Adventures protect teacher and student information?
- What are the rules for using, copying, and sharing Excavating Adventures resources?
- How can teachers, schools, or organizations share feedback and ideas?
- How can I contact Excavating Adventures about media, partnerships, or collaboration?
Science Answers
Use this answer as a parent science page for one of the 36 Adventures. It explains the core idea in classroom-friendly language and connects the science to six Adventure zones.
- How do scientists identify rocks and minerals, and how does the rock cycle change them?
- How are weather, climate, clouds, and severe storms connected?
- How do plant structures help plants grow, survive, and make food?
- What is matter, and how can scientists identify and compare materials?
- How do fossils and rock layers reveal Earth's history?
- Why do volcanoes erupt, and what is happening inside Earth?
- What causes earthquakes, and why do tectonic plates move?
- How do weathering, erosion, deposition, and soil formation reshape Earth?
- How do scientists describe, map, and explain Earth's landforms and systems?
- How does water move through the water cycle, freshwater systems, and watersheds?
- Where is Earth's water, and what changes across the ocean's zones?
- Why do day and night, Moon phases, eclipses, and seasons occur?
- How is the solar system organized, and how do humans explore space?
- What are natural resources, and how can people use and conserve them responsibly?
- How do flowering plants reproduce through pollination, fruits, and seed dispersal?
- How do animal structures, behaviors, and adaptations help animals survive?
- What makes a habitat or biome suitable for particular living things?
- How does energy move through producers, consumers, decomposers, food chains, and food webs?
- How do the life cycles of insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals compare?
- Why are offspring similar to-but not exactly the same as-their parents?
- What are cells, and how are cells organized into tissues, organs, and organisms?
- How do the major human body systems work together?
- How and why do scientists classify the diversity of living things?
- What roles do microorganisms, fungi, and decomposers play in nature and human life?
- How do environmental changes affect survival, biodiversity, and extinction?
- How and why does matter change between solids, liquids, and gases?
- What is the difference between a physical change and a chemical change?
- How do forces change an object's motion?
- How does gravity affect falling objects, weight, and orbits?
- How do friction, pushes, pulls, and other interactions affect motion?
- How do simple machines and the engineering design process solve problems?
- How is energy stored, transferred, and transformed?
- How does heat move through conduction, convection, and radiation?
- How does light travel, reflect, refract, and create color?
- How do vibrations and waves create and carry sound?
- How are electricity and magnetism related?