The Wolf Digging in the Past Adventure offers Wolf Cub Scouts a fascinating journey into the world of paleontology and dinosaurs. This adventure is designed to spark curiosity about the prehistoric world and to introduce Scouts to basic scientific concepts related to fossils and dinosaurs. By participating in a series of engaging and educational activities, Scouts not only learn about ancient creatures but also develop a deeper understanding of how scientists study the past.
Scouts start by playing dinosaur-themed games that test and expand their knowledge of these ancient animals. Through fun and interactive gameplay, they learn about different dinosaur species, what these creatures ate, and how they lived. This hands-on approach helps make the learning process enjoyable and memorable, while reinforcing important scientific information.
Next, Scouts are encouraged to unleash their creativity by inventing their own dinosaur. They imagine what it might look like, what it eats, and where it might live. This activity not only stimulates their imagination but also helps them understand the diversity of dinosaur life and the ecosystems of the past.
Further delving into the role of a paleontologist, Scouts participate in a simulated dinosaur dig. This gives them a practical experience of the excavation process and teaches them how fossils are found and studied. It’s an exciting way for Scouts to feel like real scientists, uncovering secrets buried in the earth.
Finally, the Digging in the Past adventure includes building a model of a fossil layer, which helps Scouts visualize how fossils form and why they are found in layers of sediment. This activity ties together their understanding of earth science, paleontology, and the geological timeline.
Through the Wolf Digging in the Past Adventure, Scouts develop not only knowledge about dinosaurs and fossils but also gain skills in scientific thinking and problem-solving. They learn the importance of scientific inquiry and gain respect for how much these ancient findings can teach us about the history of our planet.
Requirements for the Wolf Digging in the Past Adventure
Wolf Digging in the Past Adventure Requirements
- Play a dinosaur game that shows what you know about them.
- Create an imaginary dinosaur using supplies you have at home or with your den. Share with your den or family its name, what it eats, its size, and where it lives.
- Be a paleontologist and dig through a dinosaur dig.
- Build a fossil layer.
Printable requirements for the Wolf Digging in the Past Adventure
Check off sheet to keep track of your den’s progress on the Wolf Digging in the Past Adventure
Resources for the Wolf Digging in the Past Adventure
Playing to Learn
Play a dinosaur game that shows what you know about them.
Requirement 1 of the Wolf Digging in the Past Adventure encourages Wolf Cub Scouts to engage in a dinosaur-themed game that tests and enhances their knowledge of dinosaurs. This fun approach to learning allows Scouts to explore the fascinating world of these ancient creatures while reinforcing key educational content.
Ideas for Dinosaur Games:
- Dinosaur Trivia: Create a trivia game with questions about different dinosaur species, their diets, habitats, and eras they lived in. Scouts can take turns answering questions to earn points. This game can be played with cards, a board, or as a digital quiz.
- Dinosaur Matching Game: Use cards with pictures of dinosaurs and their names or characteristics. Scouts can play a memory matching game where they match a dinosaur picture with its correct name or fact card. This helps reinforce visual recognition and recall of dinosaur facts.
- Dinosaur Egg Hunt: Organize a scavenger hunt where Scouts search for “dinosaur eggs” (which could be simple painted rocks or Easter eggs) hidden around a play area. Each egg could contain a fact about dinosaurs that Scouts can read aloud once all eggs are collected.
Here are some options for fulfilling Wolf Digging in the Past Adventure requirement 1:
- Dino Detective
- Play a dinosaur identification game.
- Supplies: Dino Cards, Wolf handbook
- indoor, very low energy, 1 to 3 days prep
- Dino Match
- Play a dinosaur matching game.
- Supplies: Dino Cards, Wolf handbook
- indoor, low energy, 1 to 3 days prep
- Dino Trivia
- Play a dinosaur trivia game.
- Supplies: Dino Cards, Wolf handbook
- indoor, very low energy, 1 to 3 days prep
By playing dinosaur-themed games, Wolf Scouts not only absorb a wealth of knowledge about prehistoric life but also develop critical thinking and teamwork skills. These games make learning about ancient creatures an exciting and interactive experience.
Design-A-Dino
Create an imaginary dinosaur using supplies you have at home or with your den. Share with your den or family its name, what it eats, its size, and where it lives.
Requirement 2 of the Wolf Digging in the Past Adventure invites Wolf Cub Scouts to stretch their imaginations by creating their own unique dinosaur. This activity allows Scouts to combine their knowledge of dinosaurs with creative thinking, resulting in a fun and educational exercise.
- Design the Dinosaur: Each Scout sketches their dinosaur, deciding on its size, the type of food it eats (herbivore, carnivore, or omnivore), and where it might live (forests, plains, swamps). They can think about what colors and features (like scales, feathers, horns) their dinosaur might have.
- Name Your Dinosaur: Scouts come up with a creative name for their dinosaur. Encourage them to think about combining Greek or Latin words that describe their dinosaur’s most distinctive features, much like how real dinosaurs are named.
- Dinosaur Biography: Scouts can write a short story or “biography” of a day in the life of their dinosaur, describing a typical adventure or challenge it faces in its natural habitat.
- Jurassic Art Gallery: Organize a display of all the dinosaur drawings and stories. This gallery can be shared with parents or other dens at a pack meeting, showcasing the Scouts’ creative efforts.
Here are some options for fulfilling Wolf Digging in the Past Adventure requirement 2:
- Dino Clay Creations
- Make a dinosaur out of clay.
- Supplies: Air dry craft clay
- indoor, low energy, 1 to 3 days prep
- Make your own inexpensive model magic clay
- Dino Imagination
- Create custom dinosaurs by assembling cutout body parts.
- Supplies: Dino Imagination worksheet, scissors, glue, colored pencils, markers, crayons
- indoor, low energy, 1 to 3 days prep
- Recycled Reptiles
- Create an imaginary dinosaur out of recycled materials.
- Supplies: water bottles, bottle caps, cereal boxes, container lids, buttons, felt, construction paper, soda cans, chenille stems, tape, marker or crayons, paper clips, plastic tablecloth
- indoor, low energy, 1 to 3 days prep
By creating their own dinosaur, Wolf Scouts not only apply what they’ve learned about prehistoric life but also engage in a creative process that sharpens their artistic and presentation skills. This Digging in the Past activity encourages them to think critically about how an animal adapts to its environment and interacts with the ecosystem.
Digging into Dinosaur Discoveries
Be a paleontologist and dig through a dinosaur dig.
Requirement 3 of the Wolf Digging in the Past Adventure transforms Wolf Cub Scouts into budding paleontologists, allowing them to experience the thrill of a dinosaur dig, whether through a simulated activity or at a real dig site if possible. This hands-on approach helps Scouts understand the meticulous work of paleontologists and the excitement of uncovering the past.
- Create a Dig Site: If you’re simulating a dig, use a large sandbox or a container filled with sand. Bury replica dinosaur bones, fossils, or even small toys that can represent dinosaur remains. Make sure the items are buried deep enough to give Scouts a real digging experience.
- Gather Tools: Provide Scouts with tools similar to those used by real paleontologists, such as small shovels, brushes, and magnifying glasses. Teach them how to use these tools carefully to unearth their finds without damaging them.
- Excavation Rules: Explain the importance of careful excavation. Each Scout takes turns digging, brushing, and carefully extracting their findings. Emphasize the patience and precision required in real archaeological digs.
- Fossil Impressions: Alongside the dig, provide clay or plaster to make fossil impressions. Scouts can press leaves, shells, or even small dinosaur toys into the clay to create fossil-like impressions, learning about how fossils are formed.
Here are some options for fulfilling Wolf Digging in the Past Adventure requirement 3:
- Dino Dig
- Make a dinosaur dig.
- Supplies: corn starch, water, mixing bowl, dinosaur toys, pie plates, digging equipment,, safety glasses, newspaper
- indoor, moderate energy, 1 to 3 days prep
- Dino Egg Dig
- Cub Scouts will make dinosaur eggs.
- Supplies: mixing bowls, assorted fossils, coffee grounds, flour, salt, sand, water, digging equipment, newspaper, oven, oven mitts
- indoor, moderate energy, 1 to 3 days prep
- Fossil Expedition
- Visit a location where fossils can be found.
- Supplies: Activity consent form
- requires travel, high energy, one week prep
By participating in a dinosaur dig, Wolf Scouts gain a hands-on understanding of the work of paleontologists and develop a deeper appreciation for the scientific methods used to study ancient life. This activity not only educates them about dinosaurs and fossils but also sparks a lasting interest in science and history.
Building a Fossil Layer
Build a fossil layer.
Requirement 4 of the Wolf Digging in the Past Adventure challenges Wolf Cub Scouts to create a model of a fossil layer. This activity teaches Scouts about geological strata and how fossils are embedded in these layers over time. By building their own fossil layers, Scouts can visually understand the process of fossilization and the Earth’s historical record.
- Materials Needed: Gather clear plastic containers or shoe boxes, different colors of sand or soil, small rocks, and toy dinosaurs or leaves to use as “fossils.” Plaster of Paris can also be used to simulate harder sedimentary layers.
- Layering the Sediments: Start by placing a layer of sand or soil in the container. Encourage Scouts to vary the colors as they layer to represent different types of sediment. Each layer should be compacted slightly before adding the next.
- Embedding Fossils: As they build the layers, Scouts can place their toy dinosaurs or plant materials into the sediment. These items should be placed at various depths and angles, mimicking how real fossils might be found.
- Finishing the Layer: Once the desired number of layers and fossils are in place, the final layer of soil can be added. If using Plaster of Paris, mix and pour it over the top to create a hard, rock-like layer that will need to dry.
- Excavation Simulation: After the fossil layers have dried, Scouts can take turns carefully excavating their fossils using tools like brushes and toothpicks. This gives them a sense of how paleontologists must carefully dig through layers without damaging the fossils.
Here are some options for fulfilling Wolf Digging in the Past Adventure requirement 4:
- Dig in and Devour
- Cub Scouts learn about fossil layers by making edible fossil layers.
- Supplies: plastic cups, prepared Jello, animal crackers, pudding, graham crackers
- indoor, low energy, 1 to 3 days prep
- Dino Canvas
- Draw fossil layers and add in dinosaurs.
- Supplies: drawing paper, colored pencils, pencils, erasers
- indoor, low energy, 1 to 3 days prep
- Fossil Dough Discovery
- Cub Scouts build fossil layers with play dough.
- Supplies: different colors of playdough, rolling pins, small plastic dinosaurs, small shells, paper, tablecloth
- indoor, low energy, 1 to 3 days prep
Building a fossil layer not only enhances a Scout’s understanding of earth science and paleontology but also engages them in hands-on learning that connects them more deeply with the past. This project for the Digging in the Past adventure can spark curiosity about the natural world and the history hidden beneath our feet.
Soil Sample Cupcakes Recipe: Use this to make a layered snack to understand the different fossil levels. This makes a fun snack to go with the Digging in the Past adventure.
Egg-Chicken-Dinosaur Game: Play this fun dinosaur themed icebreaker game as a warm up for the Digging in the Past adventure.
Making Plaster Casts: Make fossil casts using plaster of Paris. Press leaves, shells, and twigs into it to simulate how fossils are made.
Before any activity, check the SAFE Checklist to make sure everyone is safe. Everyone involved in Scouting America activities should know the Guide to Safe Scouting and other relevant guides or books. Also follow any state or local rules that are more strict than Scouting America rules and guidelines.
Before starting a craft activity, watch the Craft Tips video.
Before beginning any experiments in this Adventure:
- Read the experiment instructions thoroughly.
- Test the experiment ahead of the meeting.
- Arrange for extra adult supervision if needed.
During the Adventure:
- Go over the instructions with the den before starting.
- Wear protective gear, including eye protection.
- Keep food and drinks away from the experiment area.
Frequently Asked Questions for the Wolf Digging in the Past Adventure
What is a dinosaur game?
A dinosaur game is a fun activity that helps you learn about dinosaurs. It can include questions about different types of dinosaurs or challenges like matching dinosaur names to pictures.
How do I create an imaginary dinosaur?
Think about what your dinosaur looks like, what it eats, how big it is, and where it lives. Draw a picture of it and give it a name that you like.
What does a paleontologist do?
A paleontologist studies fossils to learn about the history of life on Earth. They dig up old bones and other remains to find out about ancient plants and animals.
How can I build a fossil layer?
Use a container and fill it with layers of sand, soil, or plaster. Place toy dinosaurs or leaves in between the layers to act like fossils. Let it dry and then you can dig through it to find your “fossils.”
What is a fossil?
A fossil is the remains or imprint of an ancient plant or animal that has been preserved in rock. This can include bones, shells, or even traces like footprints.
Conclusion
The Wolf Digging in the Past Adventure offers Wolf Cub Scouts a fun exploration into the world of dinosaurs and fossils, providing a hands-on introduction to the fundamentals of paleontology. Through a series of interactive and educational activities, Scouts delve into the ancient past, learning about the creatures that roamed the earth long before humans.
Starting with dinosaur games, Scouts test their knowledge about different species, their diets, and their environments, engaging in fun while reinforcing what they’ve learned. This playful approach makes the learning process enjoyable and accessible, ensuring that Scouts are both informed and entertained.
Next, Scouts are encouraged to unleash their creativity by designing their own imaginary dinosaurs. This activity not only sparks their imagination but also deepens their understanding of dinosaur characteristics and habitats by challenging them to think critically about how these creatures could have lived.
The Digging in the Past adventure also includes a simulated dinosaur dig, where Scouts become paleontologists for a day. They experience the thrill of discovery as they uncover “fossils” buried in layers of earth or sand. This hands-on experience is pivotal in teaching them about the geological and fossilization processes that preserve ancient life.
Lastly, Scouts build a model of a fossil layer, learning about the formation of fossils and the Earth’s layers. This activity solidifies their understanding of geological time and the natural processes that have shaped our planet’s history.
By participating in the Wolf Digging in the Past Adventure, Scouts not only gain a foundational knowledge of paleontology and geology but also develop skills in scientific inquiry and critical thinking. This adventure encourages them to consider how studying the past can inform our understanding of the present and future.
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