MindWare Dig It Up! Wild Animals Dig Kit — Hands-On Discovery

MindWare Dig It Up! Wild Animals Dig Kit invites curious minds to step into the world of science and discovery through a tactile, hands-on activity. Each kit contains 12 jungle-print pods, and inside each pod sits a miniature wild animal waiting to be revealed. The experience begins by soaking the pod in water, softening the outer sediment so the reveal feels like a small treasure hunt. As kids work the included chiseling tool, they feel the resistance of the clay and hear the soft crackle of the shell as color and texture emerge. When the animal is finally exposed, a quick rinse clears away debris and reveals a clear, tiny world of miniature habitat and scale. Across the 12 pods, children encounter a variety of discoveries, sparking curiosity about animals, habitats, and the way nature is organized. The Excavation Guide accompanies the kit, offering simple prompts and short facts to help identify each creature and make connections to broader wildlife concepts. The design supports quiet concentration and focused inquiry, while still inviting playful storytelling and collaborative show-and-tell. This approach to exploration emphasizes process and curiosity, with real, tangible results that can be displayed, compared, or discussed as a family or classroom activity.

Designed with both home and classroom use in mind, the kit is built to be self-contained and easy to set up. Each pod is individually wrapped to preserve the surprise, and the chiseling tool is sized for young hands to encourage confident handling. The materials are chosen for durability and repeated use, so kids can revisit a pod, make observations, and compare discoveries over time. The Excavation Guide adds context without overwhelming detail, making it accessible for early science learners while still offering a scaffold for more advanced discussion. Whether you need a quick literacy-friendly activity between lessons or a hands-on science center at a station, this kit adapts to your schedule and goals.

What you get

• 12 jungle-print pods
• 12 chiseling tools
• 12 instruction sheets
• 1 excavation guidebook

How Dig It Up Works

• Soak each pod in water until the sediment softens
• Gently chisel away the sedimentary material to reveal the animal
• Rinse off the remaining clay and let it dry
• Refer to the Excavation Guide to learn more about each animal

Learning and Play

At home, the kit sparks curiosity about nature and supports independent or guided exploration. In the classroom, it can fuel science inquiry, collaborative activities, and differentiation with guided prompts.

• At home: promotes curiosity about nature, supports independent or guided exploration, and fits a micro science station
• In the classroom: supports science inquiry, collaborative learning, and a structured activity with the Excavation Guide

MindWare's design aims for durability and safe, engaging play. While outcomes vary, many kids enjoy the hands-on process and the chance to uncover a surprise discovery.