I Can Dig It

About Supplies Activity Steps Reflection Questions Related Activities Shop 4-H

Virtual 4‑H Camp » STEM » I Can Dig It

I Can Dig It


In this activity, kids will learn about archaeology and the methods used during excavations. They will also learn about the importance of using the scientific method. This activity requires access to an outdoor space.

 

Topic: STEM
Grades: 3-5
Estimated Time: 45 minutes - 1 hour

 

Brought to you by Utah State University Extension

4-H youth on archaeology dig

Supplies

  • Kiddie pool or sandbox
  • Sand/dirt/soil (at least two different times and colors)
  • Older artifacts/items (e.g. old pictures, pottery)
  • Modern artifacts/items (e.g. bottle caps, coins)
  • Stakes or sticks
  • String or rope
  • Plastic bag
  • Pencil
  • Downloadable grid map
supply list icon

Activity Steps

  1. Create a dig pit using a sandbox or a kiddie pool filled with sand and dirt. Create the first layer by laying down the first type of soil/sand. The dig may be more fun if you add hills and valleys to the first layer.
  2. Add older artifacts to the first layer.
  3. Add the second layer and add modern artifacts. You can also add charcoal to simulate a fire pit.
  4. Cover this with another layer of soil or compost, and then add leaves and sticks on top.
  5. Use stakes and string (or rope) to create a grid on the dig site. Put a stake in one of the corners of your site to be the site datum, the point from which all else is measured.
4-H kid explores archaeology at Virtual 4-H Camp
  1. Make sure your grid is evenly spaced and label units on the downloadable grid map that accompanies this activity.
  2. The kids should carefully brush or trowel the top layers. Every time they find a change of soil color, texture or grain size, they should record it.
  3. Using a skimmer/strainer and shovel, the kids can sift through the soil one square at a time.
  4. The kids should catalog everything they find using the grid. They should take notes on their findings in a notebook or a separate sheet of paper.
  5. The kids should collect and place all artifacts in a plastic bag.

Reflection Questions
Questions for your kids and teens.

REFLECT

  • What can studying ancient artifacts tell us about the past?
  • Why is it important to work carefully and slowly, instead of digging everything up at once?
  • How did using the grid help you stay organized during the dig?
  • What did you notice about the placement of the artifacts in the soil?

APPLY

  • If you were an archaeologist, what do you think the biggest challenge would be?
lightbulb icon

Shop 4-H Curriculum and Products

Shop4-H.org offers university-backed STEM curriculum, educational kits, products and supplies to expand your knowledge of space, rocketry and more.

Computer Science and Programming curriculum from Shop 4-H

Discovering Computer Science Level 1

Grades: 6-8

 

Learn the fundamentals of computer programming with this fun beginner's guide to Scratch, a project of the Lifelong Kindergarten Group at the MIT Media Lab. Youth walk through engaging activities and tutorials in this pdf workbook.

$10.95

Circuits and Electrical Engineering curriculum from Shop 4-H

Explore a Power Park Book 1: Paper Circuits

Grades: 3-12

 

Using LED's and conductive tape, young engineers can learn the ins and outs of electric circuits with this activity, which include short tutorials and background information that accompany puzzles and challenges.

$4.95

Wind Power activity from Shop 4-H

Wind Lift Activity

Grades: K-12

 

Harness the power of the wind with this activity that takes youth inside energy, mechanical advantage, torque, work, and other scientific concepts. The kit includes all the materials you need to build a wind lift, including a reamer tool.

$8.95

Super Wiggle Bot robotics activity from Shop 4-H

4-H Super Wiggle Bot

Grades: K-12

 

Wiggle-Bots are motorized contraptions designed and built entirely by kids. Watch eyes widen as wires are connected and Wiggle-Bots start to move. See how understanding and design evolves through experimentation and tinkering. Stretch youths’ STEM skills with this activity.

$9.50

Build a Boat engineering design activity from Shop 4-H

Build-A-Boat Activity

Grades: K-12, Youth 12 and under require adult supervision.

 

Dive deep into this boat-building activity to explore concepts such as buoyancy and power. In this activity using everyday supplies, youths design an electric motorboat. Create unique propellers by changing blade shape, angle and number.

$9.95

hydraulic claw engineering activity from Shop 4-H

Hydraulic Claw Activity

Grades: K-12, Youth 12 and under require adult supervision.

 

Make your own arcade at home! Design and build a hydraulic claw that works just like the games in an arcade. Move the upper cylinder and watch your claw open and close below.

$9.95

Brought to you by:

Utah State University Extension

No endorsement of these supporters' products or services is granted or implied by 4‑H.

Help 4-H Provide Equal #Opportunity4All Kids

Donate Now