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Ice Excavation

Ice Excavation is a fun, engaging activity that allows your little ones to play the role of an archaeologist. They will be presented with a block of ice, filled with small toys, frozen within. Their mission? To free the toys using different methods! This will not only entertain them, but also stimulate their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Ice Excavation - Kids activities

Summary

Appropriate kid’s energy level

Calm

Skill(s) developed

Fine motor, Problem-solving, Sensory

Prep time

5 minutes + freezing time

Type of activity

Physical, Science

Appropriate setting(s)

Both indoors and outdoors

Material(s) needed

Small toys, Water, Food coloring, Ice tray or small containers, Warm water, Spoons, Eyedropper

Easy mode

In Easy Mode, children can use warm water and tools like spoons or brushes to melt the ice and retrieve the toys. This is a great way to introduce them to the concept of temperature and how it can affect different states of matter.

Hard mode

In Hard Mode, the task becomes a little trickier. Instead of pouring warm water directly, children will be given an eyedropper or spoon and they need to target the toys by color. This will require them to hone their motor skills, as well as work on their color recognition.

Challenge mode

If your child is up for a real challenge, they can try the Challenge Mode. Here, they need to free the toys in a specific color order or within a set time limit. This will push them to strategize, plan and execute their decisions.

Some prompts to encourage the kid

  • Wow, you’re like a real-life archaeologist!
  • Can you guess what toy will come out next?
  • I wonder how fast you can free the blue toys.
  • You’re doing an amazing job, keep going!
  • Remember, every drop of warm water makes a difference!

Important things to keep in mind

  • Make sure to supervise the children during this activity, especially while they handle warm water
  • You can also use this as a teaching moment to talk about the states of matter (solid, liquid, gas) and how temperature affects them.

More ideas to support your Screen-Free journey

Loved this activity? Explore our thoughtful guides for raising curious, independent kids:

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