Dinosaur Dig Sensory Bin Activity

Set up a dinosaur dig for sensory exploration to learn about dinos and fossils like a paleontologist studying prehistoric creatures.

If you’re lucky enough to have a fossil site near your home, it’s an amazing way to learn about local dinosaurs and see the work that real paleontologists do. Some places are large enough to let you participate in the exploration.

But if you want to do something a bit smaller at home, you can set up a dinosaur did in the form of a sensory bin. All you need are a small container, dirt and other natural materials, and some plastic dinosaurs.

You can make this as simple or detailed as you like to fit the age of your child. Preschoolers will enjoy getting messy and digging into the dirt. Older kids will be interested in learning about the layers of the earth.

Learn about paleontology

• Read books about dinosaurs and paleontologists.
• Visit your local natural history museum.
• Look for fossils in dry river beds, natural areas, and even your backyard.

How to set up a dinosaur dig

Supplies

• a small plastic bin, like a shoebox
• small rocks in various sizes
• fossils, shells, and larger interesting rocks
• potting soil
• small plastic dinosaurs or plastic fossils
• plastic spoon
• small paintbrush

Instructions

1. Start with a layer of rocks.

Start with a small layer of rocks in the bottom of the plastic bin. Choose different colors, sizes, shapes, etc.

2. Add fossils and shells.

Next, add a few interesting items to the bin. Fossils, shells, and unusual rocks are perfect. This is a great way to use some that your child has collected.

3. Place a few dinosaurs.

Add a few of the plastic dinosaurs to the rock layer. Turn them in different directions.

4. Cover everything with dirt.

Pour a generous amount of potting soil over the rock and dinosaur layer. Spread it evenly, but it doesn’t have to cover everything.

5. Bury more dinosaurs.

Choose a few more dinosaurs and bury them in the potting soil. Again, turn them in any direction. You can even leave a few tiny parts sticking out of the dirt as a hint.

Once you’ve set up the dinosaur dig, it’s time to explore! Give your little paleontologist a small plastic spoon to dig and a paintbrush to gently clean their discoveries.

More fun ideas from Backyard Summer Camp:

• Dollar Store Dinosaur Habitat Craft
• 3-Ingredient Salt Dough Recipe
• 20 Dinosaur Activities for Elementary Kids