Format
Intro to Archeology
1. The program begins by learning about the Midwest Archeological Center and the National Park Service.
2. Introduce archeology and discuss what archeologists do!
3. Complete "What is an Artifact" activity.
4. Discuss with an archeologist about the significance of archeological sites and how students can help preserve the past in our National Parks!
Archeological Sites
1. Learn about all the different types of archeological sites and how they relate to your current history lessons.
2.Explore different archeological sites in the Midwest region of the United States, focusing on sites students may be able to visit!
3.Discuss how archeologists find and survey archeological sites, and why these sites are important.
*Supplemental activity available to conduct your own archeological survey!
Excavation & Tools
1. From pencils to lasers, students learn the methods archeologists use to uncover and record history.
2. Learn about the different types of excavations and archeological tools.
3. View a video and complete a tool match-up activity.
Mapping
1. Engage in the importance of note-taking in the field.
2. Introduce and discuss the concept of the "human footprint".
3. Presentation and activity on site mapping.
*Supplemental activity available to map your own site in the classroom!
Analysis and Curation
1. Explore the final steps of what happens after an artifact is excavated, including lab work and curation.
2. View a video on this process.
3.Explore the importance of "context" in archeological research,
4. Complete activities that demonstrate these principles.
Q&A and interactive discussion is encouraged throughout all programs!
Objectives
Participants will:
- understand the basic definition of archeology.
- explore the role of archeologists in the National Park Service.
- engage in the principles of stewardship and cultural resource management.
-assess the benefits of studying archeology.
-recognize their role in preserving sites.
Standards Alignment
National Standards
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.1.SL.1c -- Ask questions to clear up any confusion about the topics and texts under discussion.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.1.SL.3 -- Ask and answer questions about what a speaker says in order to gather additional information or clarify something that is not understood.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.2.SL.1c -- Ask for clarification and further explanation as needed about the topics and texts under discussion.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.2.SL.3 -- Ask and answer questions about what a speaker says in order to clarify comprehension, gather additional information, or deepen understanding of a topic or issue.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.3.RI.7 -- Use information gained from illustrations (e.g., maps, photographs) and the words in a text to demonstrate understanding of the text (e.g., where, when, why, and how key events occur).
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.3.SL.1 -- Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 3 topics and texts, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.3.SL.1d -- Explain their own ideas and understanding in light of the discussion.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.3.SL.3 -- Ask and answer questions about information from a speaker, offering appropriate elaboration and detail.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.4.SL.1 -- Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 4 topics and texts, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.4.SL.3 -- Identify the reasons and evidence a speaker provides to support particular points.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.5.SL.1 -- Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 5 topics and texts, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.5.SL.3 -- Summarize the points a speaker makes and explain how each claim is supported by reasons and evidence.
CCSS.MATH.K.MD.1 -- Describe measurable attributes of objects, such as length or weight. Describe several measurable attributes of a single object.
CCSS.MATH.K.MP.5 -- Use appropriate tools strategically.