How to Create an Archaeology Dig in the Classroom

Have students discover old tools, vessels, or bones during a simulated dig

Students young and old enjoy the thrill of discovering archaeological relics, even if those relics are simulated and the dig is in a classroom. Creating an archaeological dig in a classroom allows young students to experience the thrill of the hunt. It also provides a bridge into a discussion of archaeology as a job and the role of the archaeologist as someone who learns about history. Older students can practice their skills indoors before going out on a real archaeological dig.

Things You'll Need

• Millet, corn-based cat litter, sand, or soil
• Box for the dig
• 1-inch paint brushes

Instructions

1. 

   Find child-sized equipment to create a realistic dig

   Collect equipment for the dig. Research the appropriate equipment for an archaeological dig, or have the students do this research for you as part of the project. An archaeologist needs picks, hammers, and protective clothing, but he also requires finer tools such as small chisels and brushes. Stock up on inexpensive versions of these tools for the dig.

2. 

   A child's sandbox is an excellent enclosed digging area

   Create a space for the dig. Look for an outdoor space where you can cover the ground with a substrate. Playground sandboxes are a good choice. Find an area that is removed from most wind and rain, because you do not want the tools, artifacts, and the digging media to get muddy. You can also find an indoor location that you can cover with a tarp. Place a large, low box in this location to act as a space for the dig.

3. 

   Small children love finding pretend dinosaur bones

   Determine what the students will find during the dig. If the dig is focused on prehistoric life, dinosaur bones or fossil trees will do. Find pottery shards and other ancient-looking objects for a dig that focuses on ancient history. Make artifacts if you do not have real ones. Break an old plate into pieces, or create dinosaur bones out of Plaster of Paris for the students to find.

4. 

   Use realistic substrates that can also be cleaned up quickly

   Determine what sort of substrate your students will dig through. Choose soil or sand if you want to be realistic. Choose other, less messy substrates such as millet or corn if you simply wish to recreate the feel of an archaeological dig for a very young audience. These substrates are easier to vacuum. Test the dig equipment on the substrate to ensure that the brushes will move the sand, soil, or grain aside with ease.

5. 

   Use small, gentle brush strokes to dig through the substrate

   Conduct the dig. Ask students to use paint brushes to demonstrate how they will remove the digging material to find the artifacts. Divide the containers into sections and assign each student to a section. Collect all of the finds from each section and have the students describe what they have found.

6. 

   Recreate artifacts from shards

   Debrief the dig. Take some time at the end of the dig to put the archaeological finds together. Ask students to determine what the items are and whether they come from one object or many. They can also discuss possible uses for the objects. Talk with the students about the techniques that they used to dig. Determine whether any techniques caused damage or loss of the artifacts and discuss which techniques worked well to easily and safely find objects.

References

• Social Studies for Kids: Archaeology: Tools of the Trade
• Kirsten's Guide: Pretend and Learn Archaeological Dig
• PBS: Archaeology 101

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish