CHW 3M1 Markville History Department

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.
OVERVIEW
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 based on the Discovering Tribes of the Near East (Photostory). Each student is responsible for creating ONE artifact that is representative of their category and tribe / civilization (ie. Mesopotamian religion). In the designated tribes / civilizations, students will set up their “dig sites” with the created artifacts. Sites will be randomly rotated and students 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.  Initial survey of dig site.

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

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

4.  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.  Number artifiacts and place all artifacts in “artifact bags” and for further analysis.

Step 3: Analysis, Conclusions and Report

1.  Layout all artifacts for analysis. Begin the analysis of artifacts on recording sheet.

Step 4: Presentation of Artifacts & Clean up

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

2.  Clean up of area and complete and hand in all required sheets / notes.

Archaeological Dig: Recording Sheet

PART A. INITITIAL SURVEY OF SITE

Team Members
Brief Description of Site / Soil
Date

PART B. DATA COLLECTION

RECREATE the following chart for your data collection.

Artifact / Grid Bearings / Size of Artifact / Physical
Description / Sketch / Illustration / Hypothesis
-identify object, purpose / uses of the object; skills required
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10


PART C. CONCLUSIONS & APPLICATIONS

1.  What conclusions can you draw about this tribe / civilization based on the artifacts excavated?

2.  In your opinion, what is the most significant factor / area (ie. politics, religion, military, economy, societal roles, arts, technology, intellectual) contributing to the development and sustainability of this tribe / civilization? Justify your selection.

3.  Locate and research ONE real archaeological find from this tribe / civilization. In a persuasive paragraph, discuss the historical significance of the discovery and analyze how this discovery meets the definition of legacy.

Resources
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