Wolf Digging in the Past Adventure

Adventure Type: Wolf Elective Adventure
Number of Requirements: 4
Typical Time to Complete: 1 to 2 den meetings
Parent Involvement: Moderate
Preparation Needed: Low to moderate
Activity Level: Low to moderate
Indoor or Outdoor: Mostly indoor, outdoor optional
Special Requirements: Dinosaur dig activity, creative project, simple science activities
Supplies Snapshot: Dinosaur pictures or cards, craft supplies, sand or dirt bins, small digging tools, toy dinosaurs, clay or play dough, paper, markers, pudding or Jello optional

The Wolf Digging in the Past Adventure lets Wolf Cub Scouts explore the world of dinosaurs and fossils. Scouts learn how paleontologists study creatures from long ago and how fossils help us understand the history of the earth. This adventure mixes science with hands-on activities to keep learning fun and active.

As they work on this adventure, Scouts play dinosaur games, create their own dinosaurs, and take part in a pretend fossil dig. They also build a model showing how fossils are found in layers of rock and soil. These activities help Scouts use their imagination while learning about science and nature.

The Digging in the Past adventure encourages curiosity and problem-solving. Scouts get a chance to think like scientists as they discover how people learn about the prehistoric world.

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

Printable checkoff sheet for the Wolf Badge (for den or individual use)

Requirement 2: Create an Imaginary Dinosaur

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. 

This requirement gives Scouts a chance to be creative. Some Wolves will want to draw detailed dinosaurs while others may prefer building with clay or recycled materials. Let them choose their own style. The sharing part is important because it helps build confidence and communication skills.

Keep the focus on imagination instead of accuracy. Ask simple questions about where the dinosaur lives, what it eats, and how it protects itself. Younger Scouts often enjoy funny ideas, and that keeps the activity relaxed and fun.

Easy Option: Have Scouts draw a dinosaur on paper and share three facts about it with the den.

More resources:

• Dino Clay Creations: Make a dinosaur out of clay. 
• Dino Imagination: Create custom dinosaurs by assembling cutout body parts.
• Recycled Reptiles: Create an imaginary dinosaur out of recycled materials. 

Requirement 3: Be a Paleontologist

Be a paleontologist and dig through a dinosaur dig. 

Hands-on activities make this requirement memorable. Hide small plastic dinosaurs, bones, or fossils in sand, dirt, or even shredded paper. Give Scouts small tools and remind them to dig slowly and carefully like real paleontologists.

This activity can get messy, so set clear boundaries before starting. Plastic tablecloths, trays, or bins help with cleanup. If time is short, prepare the dig site before the meeting starts so Scouts can begin digging right away.

Easy Option: Fill a plastic bin with sand and bury small dinosaur toys for Scouts to uncover.

Here are some options:

• Dino Dig: Make a dinosaur dig. 
• Dino Egg Dig: Cub Scouts will make dinosaur eggs. 
• Fossil Expedition: Visit a location where fossils can be found. 

Requirement 4: Build a Fossil Layer

Build a fossil layer.

This requirement works best when Scouts can clearly see the layers. Use different colors and textures so the fossil layers stand out. Talk about how fossils are found deeper underground over long periods of time.

You do not need expensive materials. Simple household items work well and help keep the project easy for families and leaders. Scouts enjoy adding fossils between layers and then carefully digging them back out later.

Easy Option: Make edible fossil layers in clear cups using pudding, crushed cookies, and animal crackers. See Dig in and Devour.

Here are more ideas:

• Dino Canvas: Draw fossil layers and add in dinosaurs.
• Fossil Dough Discovery: Cub Scouts build fossil layers with play dough.

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.

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.