As you all know we have a massive dinosaur fan here. When we visited Charmouth in the summer monkey got to see fossils up close as well as the Charmouth Dinosaur. He was fascinated with the idea of digging up dinosaur fossils. Knowing of his new-found addiction the lovely people at Clementoni sent us the Science & Play set Archeofun T-Rex & Triceratops so we could try our hand at paleontology!
The Science & Play Archeofun T-Rex & Triceratops is aimed at children slightly older than Monkey but we knew we could have some fun with this set. It was time to get digging.
This is the ideal gift for dinosaur fans, they can dig, discover and then assemble an amazing replica skeleton.
The Science & Play Archeofun T-Rex & Triceratops set comes with two dinosaur sets to be uncovered, some fact cards and tools to help in the excavations.
Monkey was eager to get started with the digging, I was interested to see how a nearly 5-year-old would get on. I knew he would need supervision obviously, but could he do any of the digging for himself?
The instruction manual that comes with the set advises placing the excavation brick on a tray with newspaper underneath. It does get quite messy, we made use of a box lid which was great as it was high sided and kept the ‘rock’ in one place as we hammered away.
Monkey decided that we would excavate the T-Rex first, no surprise there. Both sets have a clear motif so it’s easy to identify which dinosaur you are trying to find. The block of ‘rock’ is made of chalk, pumice and sand.
My little dinosaur fan got straight to it once I’d explained how to use the hammer and chisel together.
It was a bit of luck but he struck ‘gold’ quite quickly. Look Mummy! It’s a bone! He hammered away and we could see more and more bone. It was so wonderful to see his little face, he was so excited.
Now I’d be lying if I said he excavated the whole dinosaur by himself. It wasn’t all as easy as the start, and I think a 7-8 year old would need some help too with this dig. But it’s the sort of activity that you can leave and come back to over a period of hours or days. It doesn’t have to be an instant win; which is something I really like about it. Did Monkey get frustrated, no, not at all. He did some digging, I did some, we went away, did something else and came back to it over the course of a day. The excitement level didn’t ebb though. He wanted to see what we would uncover.
When we’d finished our excavations I washed the dinosaur bones and we constructed our T-Rex. I did have to do this myself – not that Monkey couldn’t have put the bones together, he could. But some of the joint connectors were really tight, in fact I had to get Daddy P to push both sides of the skull together for us. It’s made of strong plastic and Monkey is so pleased with the finish result.
We’ll be getting our hammer and chisel out again after our holiday so we can excavate the Triceratops. As I’ve mentioned, Monkey is below the age mentioned for this set, but a 5-year-old under supervision is clearly still able to have a lot of fun and learn through this activity.
The Science & Play Archeofun T-Rex & Triceratops set is priced at £14.99, which I think is great value considering you get two sets, and have something to keep at the end of your hard work. The sets are available from Argos.co.uk, Hobbycraft and Debenhams.
disclaimer: we were sent this set in exchange for an honest review.
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Now with Christmas drawing ever closer, we thought it would be a great idea to offer one lucky reader the chance to do some digging of their own. If you’d like to win the Science & Play Archeofun T-Rex & Triceratops set then complete the Gleam form below – good luck!
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Terms and conditions:
(Please note that all entries will be checked against comments for validation).
Only the first step of this form is mandatory, all other steps are optional. Only one entry per person is allowed.
This giveaway is for UK residents only.
Once a winner is randomly picked, I will check if the winner has done what was requested and I will contact them, if they do not reply within one week, the prize will be allocated to another person.
The giveaway will close on 17th November 2014 at midnight.
The Liopleurodon, because it was the mightiest aquatic predator of all time that takes no prisons and eats whatever the hell it wants 🙂
T Rex because he is awesome
T-rex still rules in this house with my boys, they think hes the biggest & best!
I said terradactyl as that’s what we call our little man when he makes excited noises!
My nephew wants to be a palaeontologist when he’s older, this would be a great Xmas pressie for him. X
A diplodocus simple because I love the name – it sounds cute and a bit dippy like me!
Stegoceras Sheep because it looks like it’s wearing a hat and I think it’s cuter than other dinosaurs!
My son loves his T-Rex dinosaur the best and looks nicer than the other ones
I was always obsessed with T-Rex when i was a girl as they are so scary. I still am.
The Dinosaurs that they first see in Jurassic Park (Diplodocus?), that film shot of them walking across the plain is still amazing 🙂
great interaction
Velociraptor! Because of the Jurassic Park scene in the kitchen.
Has to be a T-Rex as that is just your classic dinosaur.
Brachiosaurus because its huge!
Brontosaurus because even though it’s so huge I wouldn’t be scared of it as it’s a plant eater 🙂 (my son said that)
I love the T-Rex because he is big and scary and I love watching them in Jurassic Park, the film wouldn’t be the same without the good old T-Rex x
Troodon because it’s clever and has huge eyes
The diplodocus because he is so big and can see so much with his long neck
I love the Diplodocus, I’ve always loved it since I was young, and I still don’t know why!!
has to be the t-rex, i just think of Rex from Toy Story, he always makes me giggle
t-rex because he’s iconic x
Velocoraptor as they seem the most naughty
T Rex, because someone once said to me, if you’re having a bad day always imagina T Rex trying to make a bed with his little arms
T rex when you think of a dino, they are the ones
Velociraptor because the are small, cheeky and cunning just like my lil boy
Pterodactyl as they can fly away from predators!
I love the Diplodocus, they look kind and perhaps not as scary as others
The diplodocus from watching the Land Before Time films with my children
Parasaurolophus is my favourite dinosaur because our Son has a keen interest in this dinosaur. He’s read lots of information about Parasaurolophus and even has a teddy he calls Para.
the t rex, because its a scary dinosaur!
T-Rex – because he is the biggest and the baddest! When he roars, and shows his claws, all the other dinos flee!
i like T rex because its a classic
trex because he is the gentle giant
we love the diplodocus, because of his lovely long neck
Triceratops….I think it’s because he has a nice face! It’s been my favourite since I was little 🙂
The T-Rex is the boss in this house
T Rex the biggest and the best
T-Rex cos it was the most fearsome dinosaur
t-rex biggest and the best
Triceratops because I love the shape of their heads.
T-Rex he’s the king of the dinosaur world.
love pterodactyls- unique and very interesting
Velecoraptors, smart but vicious.
diplodocus its the nice dino and i think it doesnt eat people lol
diplodocus because he is one of the gentler dinosaurs!!
Triceratops because of their horns and I like the shape of them!
T-Rex is the only name that comes to mind, but ask my grandson who is only 3, he can name most dinosaurs and has a great collection.
diplodocus
My son is the expert on matter of all things dinosaur and he says that his favouriteis the T-rex… because they eat meat, run fast and are scary!!!!
brontosaurus because I feel he was somewhat of the underdog
t rex because they are top of the food chain
Diplodocus- because as a young child my Archeologist Uncle Ken taught me how to pronounce it properly and I spent lots of time feeling very superior!
It’s got to be a T-Rex as it’s so big and fierce looking
I love a Stegosaurus as I love the strangely shaped spines on their backs!
T rex – I love Rex from toy story!
T- rex as my kids love them
My son loves the T-rex because he thinks he looks the scariest. x
T-Rex because we think he is is the king.
T-Rex because it’s the only one I can pronounce and spell!
Diplodocus because my two-year-old son impressed me when he told me about it.
i love the Triceratops they look so cute 😀
T-Rex (cudderly)
The T-rex because it was the top predator and looks funny with it’s little arms.
archeopteryx – was one of the earliest ancestors of todays feathered birds
Pteradon – Always had a fascination with the flying species.
stegosaurus because I like their spiney backs.
I have always been fascinated by the Tricerotaps, ever since I saw Valley of the Dinosaurs as a child
Stegosaurus, they are herbivores 🙂
T-rex is my favourite. I find their little arms hilarious.
My grandson’s favourite is a triceratops, no idea why, but he is dinosaur mad and can name loads of different dinosaurs and is most definite that triceratops is favourite
Triceratops – who can’t be impressed with three horns!
Velociraptor 🙂
T-rex my sons favourite
Stegosaurus because of their fancy shape down their back!
Pachyrhinosaurus as we have recently watched Waling with Dinosaurs on the movie channel
Brontosaurus – because it’s vegetarian
T-Rex, because he is the strongest
diplococcus. we just like the way he looks
Diplodocus because my two little boys love him 🙂 they would love this for Xmas! Iv never seen one before 🙂 x
T-Rex because he is big and fierce
A T-Rex because they have cute little arms!
T-rex scary!
The T-Rex the king of Dino Land
T-Rex because they are interesting amazing thank you x
teradactyl because of the noise it makes (or the noise i imagine it makes)
T-Rex cos it reminds me of my favourite band in the 70’s!
T-Rex as powerful and well known in this house
The T-rex as it is big
the t-rex cos of the arms they always give me a giggle
I always liked Triceratops, I think it’s because Cera was my favourite in Land Before Time 😀
The pterodactyl just because I like the word
We love the T-Rex, simply because we’re not sure how he was a predator with those teeny-weeny arms!!
the diplodocus because he looks friendly
T-Rex, classic.
T-Rex – King of the dinos
We love the T-Rex because it’s big and scary!
we like triceratops best, the name feels fun to say and we love the look of the big beast, with beautiful horns, we really like this gentle giant.
A Tyrannosaurus Rex, mainly because it makes me giggle thinking of such a fearsome predator with such little arms :p
T-Rex my son is a fan of peppa pig and loves Georges Dinosaur x x
My little boy’s is Douthinkshesaurus 😉 Mine is the Stegosaurus …SLOW AND PLODDING…just like my laptop!
Stegosaurus 🙂
Tyrannosaurus Rex, Fiercest Dinosaur x
Brachiosaurus because it won’t eat me!
T-Rex because he’s big and scary!
The Stegosaurus. It was a childhood nickname for a while.
Raptors – always loved the way they run in Jurassic Park
it would have to be T-rex, as it’s the only one i can say
i have always liked Stegosaurus since i was really little, but all 3 of my kids prefer the T-rex
T-Rex… because he is just so cool
A brachiosaurus, as it’s my son’s favourite
T Rex, the strongest of all
T-rex because hes the king of dinosaurs, no-one messes with him !! lol
I’ve always liked the Triceratops, I think they look amazing!
I like the raptors, i like that they that they have personalities and just in general quite sneaky
T-Rex dinosaur because it is hard to forget this dinosaur as compared to the others always forget there names
A Trex, because its easy to pronounce when its shortened! ha.
The Pteranodon my youngest is a huge fan of the dinosaur train
It has got to be a T-Rex – it’s tall and mighty – a bit like me – although I don’t eat people 🙂
Seems like just what I need for my 6 year old…
The Diplodocus because I always find the name funny!
T. rex as it’s the only one I can spell haha x
T Rex cos of its short stumpy arms lol
I love the Ankylosaurus because they are short, spiky and tough, the name is pretty cool too 🙂 x
The diplodocus – he looks so docile.
T-ex, easiest to spell 🙂
T-rex, easiest to spell 🙂
T Rex – most famous dinosaur of all!
I like the Diplodocus. I can’t imagine anything so big walking around the earth
pteradactyl – really elegant
T-rex – what a beast! x
T-Rex because it is the easiest to say
T-Rex hes scariest lol
Triceratops – because it is the tops – 3 times over
Triceretops, scary but a plant eater, just like me!
T-Rex as he has funny arms!
T rex is my little boys favourite as it is the only one he can pronounce
T Rex, both my boys think it’s scary
Raptors because they are very clever and hunted in packs
T. rex there powerful
Galamimus, they’re such quick, nimble hunters!
T-rex because it’s scary
The T.Rex, I feel it’s a beautiful dinosaur that’s greatly miss understood 😉
Pacyaransauraus not sure how to spell but its my daughter favourite after watching walking with dinosaurs
I love Triceratops 🙂 asthey’re like Rhinos which are my sons favourite animal
has to be the t-rex as they are big and scary
T-Rex, he’s the king of the dinosaurs.
According to my 2 year olds talking toy dinosaur called Boris 😉
Diplodocus i had a huge plastic on when i was a kid and i took it everywhere with me, i dont remember why i was so attached but i was, they are the best.
its probably because they are quite gentle & not blood thirsty with huge teeth..
Triceratops 🙂 they just look cute
t-rex, love those little arms 😀
T Rex because he is the king of dinosaurs
Gigantoraptor, it is believed that they had feathers on their arms and also a colourful head for displaying.
Raptor (Velociraptor) I have loved them since I saw Jurassic Park. They are the cheeky chappy of the dinosaur world.
T-rex because it was the ultimate predator
T Rex; Big and Scary Like my Wife
Briontosaurus – big, fat and slow like me
T-rex because he’s big and the king of the dinos so my son tells me
Has to be the t-rex due to its size
Deinonychus because of its huge front claw! He is terrifying !
the T rex cause most dinosaurs were scared of it
It has to be the T rex, so big and scary!
The T-Rex because he’s iconic and fierce
Diplodocus because they were huge and vegies.
My son loves T-Rex as they are so mighty.
T Rex because I used to love Marc Bolan
I like the Dromaeosaurus as it is small and clever – not everything has to be big to be good
T rex, because it makes me laugh when I think of one trying to make the bed!
I have always liked Brontosaurus the best because he is a plant eater and I am a vegetarian
Triceratops – three horns have got to be lucky
T-Rex – because he is the biggest
Velociraptor because of Jurassic Park.
Velociraptor, smartest and scariest of the lot!
I like the Diplodocus because it has such a lovely name.
T Rex… Big and bad the daddy of dinosaurs.
triceratops as they look so distinctive
T-rex because my little boy is fascinated by them
I have always liked the stegosaurus because of the spiky plates on its back!
Diplodocus – just love his name 🙂
I love the discovery of the Titanosaur – the biggest dinosaur ever found. The found a thigh bone and discovered it was around 130ft long and 65ft tall!!!!!!
Diplodocus, as they seemed gentle
T. Rex.. the ultimate predator!
my son has been dinosaur crazy since 18months he is 5 now 6 just b4 xmas he wore out all 3 Jurassic park films he knows so much about dinosaurs infact he teaches me lol
velociraptor – never heard of them before Jurassic park but scary clever things!!!
T rex, hes the only one I know
T-rex because I love how small their arms were compared to the rest of them!
Tyrannosaurus Rex, king of the Dinosaurs!!
T- rex – have always felt bad for poor t-rex and his little arms!
T rex he’s smart
Triceratops as he is a herbivore.
T Rex because it’s my son’s favourite and he’s the expert on dinosaurs!
trex! our fav films are the jusrassic park series and the t-rex is by far the coolest
a scary T-rex
the rapture fascinating , they were very clever and worked together as a group
Predator X. A true monster. 🙂
T rex because he is big and scary
The diplodocus as they’re kinda cute
The T Rex, so powerful
I am fascinated by the appearance of Pentaceratops. It’s very unusual – and mean looking.
diplodocus, soooooooooooooooooooo big with such a small brain, know a few humans like that!!!!!!!
Diplodocus, a vegetarian like me!
I love the t rex !!
T-Rex he was mean and ferocious but still funny
T Rex because its huge and fearsome looking
t rex was always my favourite because it was the scariest!
Diplodocus just because it’s so huge!
Diplodocus, they aren’t scary being veggie means I’m safe!!
Triceratops they are just so unique looking and although vegetarian were capable of looking after themselves 🙂
T-REX as it is scary.
T- Rex because he reminds me of my husband lol
the apatosaurus because they were so huge with a massive neck and long thin tail
Diplodocus because they look genteel not vicious!
Stegosaurus because of the spines!
T- Rex is my fave because it was just huge, amazing!
T. rex because he was king of the dinosaurs
has to be a T-Rex because he is strong
T – Rex, because he’s always been my favourite and is so classicly a dinosaur
T-Rex because he`s the scariest looking
Diplodocus, so big but such a tiny brain 🙂
T-Rex as he is the first name I think of when thinking of dinosaurs.
I dont know why I have a thing about Triceratops just always been drawn to them
T-Rex cos my son thinks the Rex is awesome!
Tyrannosaurus Rex. As its big, powerful and the king of the dinosaurs
Tyrannosaurus Rex because it was the king.
Stegasaurus – something about the shape
I love trex because they are the biggest 🙂
Triceratops was the first one I knew and the first one I loved
I love T. rex master of the jungle
Diplodocus because I love the name and the long curvy shape of their body
Brachiosaurus because its big
My boy would love this
T-Rex as he’s just the most iconic dino, and just ruled
Always been the Triceratops – my daughter’s fav too!
T Rex is the daddy
Diplodocus I just like the name
t-rex because hes a king and most memorable
I like the T-REX best 🙂