Shoe Box Archaeology
Teacher Activity Page

[Standards] [Related Hot Links] [Student Page] [PDF File]

  

Background

Archaeology is one area of the sciences that interests everyone. This interest can be capitalized on, and used to teach children the value of our past and the past of other peoples of the world. Using information provide from Internet and Video resources, the students learn about the methods of an archeologist.

Object

The learner will develop an ability to assemble clues and decipher various indicators concerning one person's life and family background. In this way, he or she will develop and understanding of the way in which present day archaeologists "dig" for the unlocking of our past.

Resources/Materials/Supplies

Video Segment _ Programs #3 & #4
Internet access
Each student needs a shoe box, personal items, family items, spoon, brush.

Description:

  1. Each student needs to assemble a shoe box in the following "layered" pattern:
  2. .A thin layer of soil.
  3. Some "artifacts" relating to his or her grandparents, such as photos, coins, shells, perfume bottles, craft projects, etc. This should be anything that reminds the student of the grandparent or was owned by the grandparent.
  4. A thin layer of soil.
  5. Some "artifacts" relating to his or her parents, grandparents or significant others.
  6. A thin layer of soil.
  7. Some of the student's personal possessions or photos.
  8. Top with another thin layer of soil.

The student then numbers his or her shoe box. Do not label with names. This is brought to school along with a spoon, paint brush, and other "archaeologist tools".

Students place shoe boxes in one corner of room so no one knows which is which. Boxes are exchanged and taken outside for some very careful archaeological researching and digging to attempt to decipher the personality or lifestyle of the person whose box it is.

 

Management Tips and Hints

At the end of the activity, it is always interesting to attempt to identify the shoe box owner.

 It might be q good idea to prepare a few extra shoeboxes to make sure you have enough to go around.