The Dig : A Study in Archaeology. Profiles of Promise 6 / C. Frederick Risinger and Others.

The activity described in this profile is based on the simulation Dig. Although designed primarily for use by social studies classes, Dig was expanded by Glen Ellyn teachers to include language arts, mathematics, and science. The objectives of the one-month unit were to: 1) teach techniques and procedures of archaeologists; 2) introduce students to the work of archaeologists in Illinois; 3) encourage creativity in the development of cultures; 4) encourage cooperation in working with others; and, 5) meet people in different fields connected with archaeology. The teaching team wrote their own units for each of the four content areas. The unit began with a one-week introduction to each of the four phases of culture. The second week centered on several outside resources. The 133 students were then divided into four groups, each representing a different culture. Each group decided on themes for their culture and developed certain cultural universals. They created artifacts to fit these universals. Students finished their artifacts and prepared the burial pits during the third week. Each team developed and buried the artifacts of their own culture and excavated those of a different culture. The first days of the final week were spent analyzing the artifacts and forming hypotheses about the culture they represented. This was followed by a session in which each group presented the analysis of the culture it had excavated to the team that created the culture. The dig experience was concluded with field trips and a museum open house. Only $40 was spent on the project. (JLB)

Microfiche. [Washington D.C.]: ERIC Clearinghouse microfiches : positive.