Excavation
Explore the fascinating field of archaeology. Learn how to grid a site and dig for the find of the century.
Book(s)
On display:
Author
Duke
Rubalcaba
Farndon
Title
Dig Magazine (several issues, if possible)
Archaeologists Dig for Clues
Every Bone Tells a Story: Hominin discoveries, deductions, and debates
100 Things You Should Know About Archaeology
Website(s)
Title
Tradewind Tiaras: DIY
Project – Potsherds for
an Archaeological Dig
Web Address
http://tradewindtiaras.blogspot.jp/2011/12/diy-project-potsherds-for.html
Supplies
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Sand
Kiddie Pool
Bamboo skewers
String
Brushes (paintbrushes will work)
Cups
Strainer
Clay pots
Before the program, create potsherds. Decorate clay pots (try a dollar store) and smash them into
pieces. Gather other items that might be found in an archaeological dig.
Place sand in the kiddie pool. Scatter the clay pot pieces and other items in the sand, then cover with
more sand.
Activity: What do Archaeologists do?
1. Discuss what archaeologists do: their goals, how they pick their sites, why they grid a site, and
how they dig systematically.
Activity: Grid your site
1. The teens get to decide, as a team, how to grid their site. They work together to create their
grid, using the bamboo skewers and string.
Activity: Dig, Dig, Dig
1. Each teen will pick a portion of the grid to dig. They will dig systematically, taking a layer of sand
off at a time.
2. When they find something, they will use the brush to uncover the piece.
3. After they have found all the pieces, have them try to put together any pieces that might belong
to each other.