Teaching The Five Ironclad Steps for Effective Archeological Digs
When it comes to teaching archaeology, understanding the excavation process is key and we have to teach our students that there is a process in place for archeological digs. Imagine if archeologist stepped, smothered, or bulldozed their way into a site. Most of the bones and artifacts would be damaged or destroyed. Care must be taken in each step of the process.
Imagine taking your students on a journey into the heart of a historical puzzle, where every layer of earth holds a piece of the past. Let's break down how archaeologists dig without dynamite! Teach your students how professional archeologists carry out this process. Maybe you can’t hop on a plane to Montana, but that is okay because there are a number of strategies social studies or science teachers can use to bring this process into the classroom.
From my previous posts about classroom management, and the importance of starting off on the right foot the first thing we have to do is prime the students for what they will learn. First, tell your students to put their cell phones away – but promise them a five minute phone break half-way in the lesson. I found this eases their nomophobia. (yes, that is a real thing)
Step 1: Setting the Stage
Next imagine this scenario: a site waiting to reveal its secrets. The first step is introducing your students to the concept of archaeological digs. Transport them to an ancient world as you discuss the importance of unearthing artifacts and learning from the past. Engage their curiosity by sharing intriguing stories of real-life archaeological discoveries.
Step 2: The Art of Observation
We think that since we are born with eyes that nobody can teach us how to look. In archeology, students must learn how to look, how to see, and how to describe what they see. It is a unique skillset we learn in both archeology and in art. One thing I like having students do is show students a picture of an archeological site. Then have then take out a blank sheet of paper and draw what they see. Did they get the perspective right? How big is the object in comparison to objects near it? What color is it? How is it similar or different to other objects in the environment. Encourage students to really dig deep and use words in creative ways to show us what they see. This skill may sound simple, but trust me it isn’t. Having taken a few drawing classes myself, I can attest that drawing what you see is not an easy skill. It is a skill that archeologists must master and a skill that we learn in time.
Teach your students the value of keen observation. Show them how to analyze artifacts, examining every detail—shape, size, texture, and even imperfections. Invite them to become "artifact detectives," sketching and describing objects just as archaeologists would in the field.
Step 3: Unearth the Layers
Every layer of earth holds a story, waiting to be unveiled. Help your students understand the concept of stratigraphy—the layers of soil that reveal the passage of time. Create a tactile experience by layering different materials in containers, each representing a different era. As they dig through, they'll uncover clues about history, just like real archaeologists. One thing you can do is show students this picture of Chichen Itza before all the vegetation was removed. Chichen Itza is one of the main archaeological sites on the Yucatan Peninsula, in Mexico. It was and is a sacred city and Mayan pilgrimage center founded by the Itza, the so-called water sorcerers, in the 5th century AD. When it fell into decline it was taken over by the jungle. Students will see that not only do layers of earth cover sites, but also layers of vegetation also obscure sites.
Step 4: The Joy of Recording
Documenting discoveries is a crucial aspect of archaeology. Guide your students in keeping accurate records of their findings. Encourage them to create detailed sketches, take measurements, and write descriptions. This process not only hones their observational skills but also instills the importance of preserving history for future generations.
Step 5: Embrace the Adventure
Learning about archaeology is an adventure itself. Organize a mock dig in your classroom, complete with hidden "artifacts." Divide your students into teams and provide them with tools like brushes and magnifying glasses. As they unearth artifacts, they'll experience the thrill of discovery firsthand. Afterwards, have them present their findings, fostering a sense of accomplishment and teamwork.
If this is interesting to you, check out these blogs about How To Find Dinosaur Bones or How Do Archeologists Know Where to Dig. You can even get a FREE DOWNLOAD with key archeology terms! These blogs will provide some juicy tips to incorporate this information into your classroom. But for now - how do you bring this information into your classroom? Continue Reading…..
Enriching the Experience
Interactive Timelines: Craft timelines with images and descriptions of different historical periods. Let your students explore these visual aids to understand how archaeologists piece together the puzzle of the past. Use Geological Timeline Clip Art to achieve this effect – this particular clip art can be used in your Google Slides or products. It is a rare form of clip art that proves to be very useful when teaching about geological time.
Artifact Show-and-Tell: Invite a local archaeologist or historian to your classroom for a captivating show-and-tell session. Students can ask questions and gain insights into the real-world process. If this isn’t possible, there are many interactive google slide presentations you can use to enrich this experience – an encourage the students to learn how to see. Trust me, learning how to pay close attention is a skill they will transmit to other areas of their life.
Virtual Excavations: Explore digital platforms that offer virtual archaeology experiences. Your students can "dig" online and learn about the process through interactive simulations.
Create a Museum: Once your classroom excavation is complete, take the next exciting step by transforming your learning space into a captivating mini museum. Put on display the artifacts, drawings, and findings that your students have unearthed. Challenge them to step into the shoes of museum curators, guiding visitors through the significance of each remarkable discovery.
For an added twist, consider having your students create a special exhibit focusing on mummy DNA. You can introduce them to a fascinating study published in Nature Communications1. This study examined the DNA of 90 mummies buried between 1380 BC (during Egypt's New Kingdom) and AD 425 (in the Roman era). The revelations are astonishing—the mummies' closest relatives were ancient farmers from the region encompassing present-day Israel and Jordan. Equally intriguing is the finding that pharaohs shared more European genetic similarities with Greeks and Macedonians than Africans. In contrast, modern Egyptians have inherited more DNA from central Africans. Sharing this captivating information will surely captivate your students' imaginations and spark engaging discussions.
Archaeology Journals: This is a must have! Have your students maintain journals throughout the process. From their initial observations to the final artifacts, these journals will capture their growth and learning journey.
Incorporating the five ironclad steps of archaeological digs into your classroom elevates learning from textbooks to exploration. Your students will immerse themselves in the past, sharpening their critical thinking and teamwork skills. As they uncover hidden stories, they'll realize that history isn't just confined to pages—it's a living, evolving tale waiting to be discovered. Before you leave - get your Freebie! Archeology Vocabulary Terms for Middle and High School Students!
