Printable Capable Project · Ages 6–8 · 10 sessions
A complete ten-part experience — about $2.90 per guided session. Download link delivered by email after checkout; no physical product ships.
What if your child could do more than read about dinosaurs? What if they could become the paleontologist?
Dinosaur Dig: Junior Paleontologist Expedition is a complete project-based science adventure for ages 6–8. Across ten connected sessions, your child follows a mystery track, investigates fossils, plays evidence games, maps a dig site, excavates sixteen printable fossil pieces, reconstructs a mystery dinosaur, and transforms the discoveries into a mini natural-history museum.
Every activity contributes to one tangible final outcome. The field records, fossil pieces, skeleton, dinosaur profile, signs, labels, visitor ticket, and tour prompts become part of a project children can proudly display, photograph, and share.
The expedition works especially well for homeschool science, project-based learning, enrichment, project weeks, co-op activities, and children who love dinosaurs. Each session is clearly scripted and visually guided. Reading support is welcome, and response-heavy pages invite children to say it, draw it, or write it so developing readers and reluctant writers can participate fully.
Children practice observation, fossil science, evidence and inference, coordinate grids, counting, comparing, measurement, organization, perseverance, decision-making, revision, concise writing, visual communication, and oral presentation.
The full experience works with the included printable fossil pieces and common household materials: paper, pencil, coloring tools, child-safe scissors, glue, clear tape, cardboard or a shoebox, a shallow tray, safe household filler, a small brush, ruler, sorting cups or envelopes, and modeling clay or salt dough. All child research facts are included, so no internet research is required.
Adults receive clear preparation instructions without having to invent lessons or search for missing information. Most sessions take approximately 30–60 minutes. The simulated dig requires adult setup and supervision; the project avoids plaster, cement, chemicals, heat, dusty materials, and sharp digging tools.
Discover. Investigate. Dig. Reconstruct. Create. Present.
This is a digital download. No physical product will be shipped.
No store-bought excavation kit is required. The printable download supplies the mystery track, coordinate game, 16 fossil pieces, dig grid, skeleton puzzle, dinosaur profiles, and museum pieces. At home, gather ordinary materials: paper, pencil, coloring tools, child-safe scissors, glue, clear tape, cardboard or a shoebox, a shallow tray, a ruler, a small brush, sorting cups or envelopes, modeling clay or salt dough, and a safe household filler such as shredded paper.
An adult should prepare and supervise the simulated dig, choose an allergy- and sensory-safe filler, and keep small pieces away from children who mouth objects. Do not use plaster, cement, chemicals, heat, dusty materials, or sharp digging tools. The project uses simulated fossils and includes every research fact the child needs.
From real homeschool families
“I’ve tried other open-and-go programs, but Capable by Design is the first one that has genuinely felt complete. The instructor guides, student workbooks, living books, and hands-on materials were already organized for us. I could open the guide, read the scripted lesson, and begin without spending the night before printing pages or gathering supplies. Having the entire 36-week year arrive in one box took an enormous amount of pressure off me.”
“I was hesitant about using a fully scripted curriculum because I worried it might feel unnatural. Instead, the script has given me confidence and made teaching much easier. It tells me exactly what to say, what to do, which materials we need, and approximately how long each lesson should take. I can follow it closely on busy days and adapt it when I want to. It provides structure without taking away the personal connection between parent and child.”
“Capable by Design feels like it was created by parents who understand what homeschooling actually looks like. The academics are substantial, but the program doesn’t rely on endless worksheets or unnecessary busywork. Rich books, hands-on activities, nature study, practical skills, and focused lessons keep my child involved in the learning. I appreciate that the goal isn’t merely to complete another grade—it’s to raise a capable, confident child who is being prepared for life.”
More real family experiences appear on every grade-level product page.
