Archeological Institute of America & Museum of Science 3rd Annual Archeological Fair AIA Department of Outreach and Education

Childrens Activity Proposal: Archeological Finds & Stratigraphic Relationships Introduction

For the past two years, the Archeological Institute of America and the Museum of Sciences Annual Archeology Fair has aimed to provide a fun and accessible educational experience for students, teachers, families and museum visitors of all ages. In line with the mission of both the Museum and the AIA Department of Outreach and Education, this Fair strives to not only inform, but to encourage further exploration and appreciation of archeological sciences. Participants of all ages are invited to discover the world of archeology through live presentations, special programs and lectures, discussions with local archeologists and professionals and hands-on educational activities. This proposal seeks to present one possible educational activity for K-8 students, educators, and families to work individually or within groups to learn about archeological stratigraphy in an interactive, informative and entertaining way.

Goals

The activity strives to inform participants in basic principles of archeological stratigraphy as well as exercise the skills of critical thinking, reasoning and deduction. Students, whether working alone, with a parent or teacher, or in groups, will find this activity challenging, yet enlightening. The activity is designed to cover a wide range of time periods, artifact types, cultures and peoples in the hope that all participants will find a specific area of interest and fascination. While working as an introduction to methods of archeological theory, practice and basic terminology, this activity is designed to be manageable for participants of all ages, providing just enough challenge to interest older students and simplicity to retain its accessibility to younger learners. Overall, the primary objective of this learning activity is that each participant enjoys a fun and enriching educational experience.

Activity Outline

The Archeological Finds & Stratigraphic Relationships learning activity is an open-ended exercise geared towards K-8 students. The activity center is a large color poster board depicting a section drawing of a hypothetical archeological dig. The drawing clearly shows nine stratigraphic layers ranging from the prehistoric Neolithic to the Modern
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Archeological Institute of America & Museum of Science 3rd Annual Archeological Fair AIA Department of Outreach and Education

ages, including archeological evidence of ancient Roman roads, Iron age ditches, 18th century cobbles and Medieval walls. Each participant will have access to a variety of magnetic artifacts including objects such as Neolithic arrowheads, Victorian coins, medieval jewelry and metalwork and even objects reflecting modern technology. Students will also be equipped with a Finds Inventory, a booklet of context sheets listing all of the artifacts. The Finds Inventory will act as the main investigatory tool as it identifies each object and offers is contextual information including its materials, associated finds and other helpful comments. These context sheets should reveal some indication of the correct stratigraphic position of the artifact, indicating when it was made, who used it and where it was found. Some artifacts will be more challenging than others, requiring students to utilize deduction and critical thinking. Others will be more direct and reveal helpful information concerning exact dates or cultures, leaving students with the responsibility of determining where and when the artifact fits into the stratigraphy. Once participants have reached a conclusion based on information drawn from the object itself, its inventory description, context sheets and historical knowledge of the periods and cultures, they will be able to magnetically place the artifact within its correct stratigraphical layer. Each participant is invited to investigate and place as many artifacts as they please, hopefully allowing them to learn a bit about each of the nine time periods.

Materials Needed
1 Magnetic Stratigraphy Sectional Drawing Board (36in x 48in) 24 Magnetic Artifacts (Various Sizes) 2-3 Finds Inventory (Context sheet booklet) Stratification Guide Laminated Printouts

Proposed Budget
Main Activity Board: 45.00/ea 13.00
Color print on heavy weight coated paper, 36 x 48 @ app.

$ 45.00 Magnets, 1 pack @ app. 12.99/pack

Foam Poster Board, 20in x 30in @ app. 5.29/ea $ 10.00 Artifacts:

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Archeological Institute of America & Museum of Science 3rd Annual Archeological Fair AIA Department of Outreach and Education

40.00

Magnets, 3 packs @ app. 12.99/pack

Finds Inventory/Stratification Guide: Basic Printing, 3 copies, color, double sided ----Lamination 10.00 Total Expenditures: $118.00

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