FAQs

1. What is Excavating Adventures?

Excavating Adventures is a hands-on, interactive learning experience where students dig for real rocks, minerals, fossils, and other specimens while participating in educational quests. These activities are designed to make science topics like geology, paleontology, and ecosystems fun and engaging, combining physical digging with online interactive adventures.

2. How do the dig kits work?

Each Excavating Adventures kit includes real specimens hidden in a dig block that students excavate using tools provided in the kit. After uncovering their treasures, students identify the specimens using online resources or guides, and they can also earn Adventure Points by completing quests. These points can be redeemed for more kits or rewards.

3. What subjects are covered in the Excavating Adventures?

Excavating Adventures covers a wide range of science topics, including geology, paleontology, meteorology, ecosystems, oceans, space, and environmental science. Each kit is designed to align with educational standards, allowing students to explore subjects in an engaging, hands-on way.

4. What are Adventure Points?

Adventure Points are a reward system built into the Excavating Adventures experience. Students earn points by completing quests, answering questions, and progressing through online challenges. These points can be accumulated and redeemed for additional dig kits, encouraging students to keep learning and exploring.

5. How do I integrate Excavating Adventures into my classroom?

Teachers can integrate Excavating Adventures into their classrooms by using the free online quests to introduce science topics and engage students in interactive learning. Once students have completed their quests, they can participate in the hands-on excavation activity. Many educators also use the kits as part of a classroom transformation to create immersive learning environments.

6. What age group is Excavating Adventures suitable for?

Excavating Adventures is designed for elementary to middle school students, with kits and quests tailored to meet the learning levels of students aged 6 to 12. The activities are flexible, and with some adaptations, younger and older students can also enjoy the experience.

7. Can I purchase kits for a whole class?

Yes, Excavating Adventures offers bulk purchasing options for classrooms and schools. Teachers can buy multiple kits at a discounted rate, making it easy to provide a hands-on experience for an entire class. Dig kits are also available in sets that align with specific science topics or standards.

8. How do the online quests work?

The online quests are interactive adventures that align with the science topics being explored in the dig kits. Students navigate through puzzles, challenges, and learning tasks that build their knowledge of the subject. The quests tie into the physical kits, making the experience more immersive and reinforcing learning outcomes.

9. Are the specimens in the kits real?

Yes, all the specimens in Excavating Adventures kits are real. Students will uncover authentic rocks, minerals, fossils, and other geological or paleontological finds. Each kit includes a variety of specimens that are both educational and collectible.

10. How do I use the Excavating Adventures map?

Each kit comes with a map that students use to track their progress through the online quests and uncover clues that lead them to their final excavation. The map adds a layer of gamification to the experience, encouraging students to work through challenges and "unlock" the dig as they go.

11. How do I get more dig kits?

Students can earn more dig kits by accumulating Adventure Points through completing quests and challenges. Teachers and parents can also purchase additional kits directly from the Excavating Adventures website. There are special options for bulk orders, subscriptions, and themed collections.

12. What is the Educators’ Facebook group, and how can I join?

The Excavating Adventures for Educators Facebook group is a community of teachers who share tips, resources, and success stories about using Excavating Adventures in the classroom. It’s free to join and provides a supportive environment where educators can exchange ideas and access exclusive content like lesson plans and giveaways.

13. Can I use Excavating Adventures for homeschooling?

Yes, Excavating Adventures is a fantastic resource for homeschooling families. The hands-on kits and interactive quests align with many educational standards and provide a fun, engaging way to explore science topics at home. Homeschooling parents can also join the Excavating Adventures for Educators Facebook group for additional support and ideas.

14. How do students earn Adventure Points?

Students earn Adventure Points by completing the online quests, solving puzzles, answering questions correctly, and advancing through the challenges. Points can be redeemed for additional dig kits, collectible items, or other rewards, which encourages students to continue learning and exploring.

15. What kind of tools come with the dig kits?

Each Excavating Adventures kit comes with the necessary tools for excavation, such as a digging tool, brush, and magnifying glass. These tools help students uncover their specimens in a way that mimics real-life excavation processes, making the experience even more immersive.

16. How can I fundraise for my classroom kits?

You can partner with your school’s PTA to use PTA gift certificates provided by Excavating Adventures for fundraising events. The certificates can be offered as raffle prizes or used to support classroom projects. Additionally, teachers can apply for educational grants or host science nights to raise funds for the kits.

17. How do I clean up after the dig?

To make cleanup easy, encourage students to use debris cups to collect any loose material during the excavation. Cover work areas with tablecloths or paper to catch any excess dirt. After the dig, you can simply roll up the table coverings for quick disposal, making the process hassle-free.

18. Can students keep the specimens they find?

Yes, students are encouraged to keep the specimens they uncover during the dig. Each kit contains real rocks, fossils, or minerals that students can add to their personal collections. These specimens also come with collectible trading cards that provide more information about the items they’ve found.

19. What is the Teacher Rewards Program?

The Teacher Rewards Program allows educators to earn money by referring others to purchase Excavating Adventures kits. Teachers who participate in the program receive a unique referral link and earn a commission each time someone makes a purchase using that link, making it a great side income for educators.

20. Can I purchase a subscription to receive new kits regularly?

Yes, Excavating Adventures offers a monthly subscription service where members receive a new dig kit each month along with corresponding quests and content. This subscription service is perfect for teachers, schools, or families who want to continually explore new science topics.