Archaeological Dig:  Class Activity

The purpose of the activity is for students to find artifacts and draw conclusions through analysis about a civilization.  Students will also experience some of the realities of being an archaeologist.

SETTING UP SITE
Groups will receive a “archaeological site” (Rubbermaid + sand) and given an “area of the world” or specific civilization (ie. Americas, Africa, Asia, Europe etc.) that they will  research.  Groups will then create 10 artifacts that would be suitable for that civilization ***(artifacts must represent the “10 Characteristics of a Great Civilization” created in class)***.  Groups will then set up their “dig sites” with the created artifacts.  Groups will then excavate another civilization site and draw conclusions from those findings.

Materials

-recording sheets          -labels                          -tools                           -shovels

-graph paper                -pencil                          -artifact bags                -string

-brushes                       -ruler                            -masking tape

                                                           

DIG INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1:  Prepare the Site

1.      Pick archaeological team and pick up materials and recording sheet.

2.      Initial survey of dig site.

3.      Make a “grid” system at the site with rope and / or mark the Rubbermaid tubs in a grid system  (A:1:iii)

4.      Lay out all materials in organized fashion at dig site.

5.      Assign roles and make a plan for the excavation of the site.  Ie. Who is digging, who is labeling, who is recording, etc.

 

Step 2:  Digging and Recording

1.      Using various tools, begin the excavation of site. 

2.      Ensure that all findings are recorded in Data Collection as you find artifacts.

3.      Place all artifacts in “artifact bags” and for further analysis.

4.      Number all artifact bags.

 

Step 3:  Analysis, Conclusions and Report

1.      After all artifacts have been excavated, begin the analysis of artifacts on recording sheet.

2.      Layout all artifacts for presentation.

 

Step 4:  Presentation of Artifacts & Clean up

1.      Overview of site, artifacts and conclusions / analysis.

2.      Clean up of area.

3.      Complete and hand in all required sheets / notes.

 

 

Play a virtual game:  “Hunt the Ancestor”           http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/games/ancestors/index.shtml

Information on Archaeology                                http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/archaeology/index.shtml

Archaeological Dig:  Recording Sheet

 

PART A.  INITITIAL SURVEY OF SITE

Team Members

 

Brief Description of Site / Soil

 

 

 

 

 

PART B.  DATA COLLECTION

 

RECREATE the following chart for your data collection.
 

Artifact

Grid Bearings

Size of Artifact

Physical

Description

Sketch / Illustration

Hypothesis

1

 

 

 

 

 

2

 

 

 

 

 

3

 

 

 

 

 

4

 

 

 

 

 

5

 

 

 

 

 

6

 

 

 

 

 

7

 

 

 

 

 

8

 

 

 

 

 

9

 

 

 

 

 

10

 

 

 

 

 

 


PART C.  ANALYSIS & CONCLUSIONS

On a separate piece of paper, answer the following questions for any THREE artifacts as if they were AUTHENTIC! Remember to refer to the artifact number you issued above. You may have to do some more research.

ANALYSIS

1.  What is the artifact?  When would it have been dated?
2.  What materials would have been used to make this artifact? What skills would be required?

3.  What would be the possible uses for the artifact?  Who used it?

CONCLUSIONS

4.  What do all the artifacts tell you about the civilization?  Explain your conclusions.

5.  Based on the “10 Characteristics of a Great Civilization” created in class, how would you rate this civilization?  Justify your response.