4M DINOSAUR SKELETON EXCAVATION KIT - User Manual

The "Dinosaur Skeleton Excavation Kit" is an educational toy designed for children aged 8 and above, allowing them to experience the process of paleontological excavation. The kit provides a hands-on activity where users unearth a dinosaur skeleton from a plaster block, assemble it, and display it.

Function Description:

The primary function of the kit is to simulate a dinosaur fossil excavation. Users are tasked with carefully digging out the individual bones of a Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton embedded within a plaster block. Once excavated, these bones are assembled to form a complete dinosaur model. The kit also includes a prehistoric scene backdrop, which serves as a display stand for the assembled skeleton, enhancing its educational and decorative value. The process is designed to be engaging and requires patience, mimicking the real work of a paleontologist.

Important Technical Specifications:

• Age Recommendation: Suitable for children aged 8 years and older.
• Choking Hazard: Contains small parts, making it unsuitable for children under 3 years.
• Dinosaur Model: Tyrannosaurus Rex, consisting of a total of 12 parts for assembly.
• Kit Contents:
  • 1 plaster block with a dinosaur skeleton embedded.
  • 1 soft wax for positioning the joints during assembly and for display.
  • 1 specially designed digging tool.
  • 1 brush for dusting off plaster.
  • 1 prehistoric scene backdrop with printed fun facts.
• Materials: The plaster block is made of a material that can be softened with water to aid excavation, though this is noted to reduce the "digging fun." The skeleton parts are designed for interlocking assembly. The backdrop is made of cardboard.

Usage Features:

• Excavation Process:
  • Users begin by gently scraping away the plaster with the flat side of the digging tool.
  • As the skeleton emerges, digging should proceed with care to avoid damaging the parts.
  • A brush is used to dust off loose plaster from the skeleton.
  • Any remaining dust can be wiped off with a damp cloth.
  • The tip of the brush is used to clean plaster from the slots of the skeleton parts for easy assembly.
  • The instructions emphasize patience, noting that the excavation process can take several hours or even days, which is presented as the core "digging fun."
  • Optional: To quicken the process, users can spray water on the plaster block or submerge it in water for a minute to soften the plaster. However, this is cautioned to potentially "undermine the 'digging fun'" and may cause wet plaster to stain.
• Assembly:
  • Once all dinosaur parts are excavated, users follow a provided diagram for assembly.
  • The soft wax included in the kit is used to secure the joints' positions. The wax is softened by body warmth (holding it in the palm) and then used to fill joint spaces before assembling the skeleton parts.
  • The wax hardens as it cools, holding the skeleton in position. It also allows for repositioning of the skeleton parts as desired.
• Display:
  • The cardboard backdrop is constructed by folding its base along a pre-scored line and inserting the back into the base's slot.
  • The cardboard structure can be reinforced using the soft wax or adhesive tape.
  • The assembled dinosaur is then posed and positioned onto the display using the soft wax, creating a "cool room decor."
  • The backdrop also features "fun facts" about dinosaurs, encouraging learning.
• Safety Precautions:
  • Adult assistance and supervision are required throughout the process.
  • The plaster dust can irritate eyes, nose, and throat. Users are advised to handle it with care, avoid placing it in the mouth or applying it to the body, and prevent contact with eyes and inhalation.
  • In case of eye contact, flush with water and consult a physician if discomfort persists.
  • During digging, dust should be periodically removed with the brush, not blown away.
  • A water spray bottle can be used to dampen the dust, causing it to cling to the work surface, but users should be aware that wet plaster may stain.
  • Wearing an apron or old clothes is recommended to protect against plaster stains. Protective goggles or a face mask may be worn for additional protection.
  • The kit and its finished product contain small parts that pose a choking hazard if misused, emphasizing the need to keep them away from children under 3 years old.
• Work Surface Preparation:
  • Always work on a solid, level surface.
  • Covering the work surface with newspaper is recommended to protect it and aid in clean-up.

Maintenance Features:

• Cleaning Stains: Plaster may stain clothing. Laundry detergent should be used on soiled clothing, and it should be washed separately.
• Disposal: Plaster should be disposed of in the trash. It should not be put down sink or bathtub drains, as this can cause clogs.
• Repositioning: The soft wax allows for repositioning of the skeleton parts, meaning the display can be adjusted or re-posed over time.
• Customer Support: The manufacturer provides contact information (email, fax, tel, website) for questions, comments, or in case of missing or defective parts, ensuring ongoing support for product issues.