Archaeology Unit  

 

 by Carolyn Morris 

 One of the most successful units of study in the fifth grade gifted and talented classroom of Diana Guarniere and Shirley Dunlap is the study of archeology.  When updating the unit, the problem then was not to restructure the unit, but to enhance it using the internet.  This can be done by using email to subscribe to MUSEUM-L and ARCH-L listserv groups, using ftp protocol to get simulated dig software, and using veronica searches to enhance the research.  The following is an outline of the unit and how it can be injected with a healthy dose of the internet.  Current student requirements for this unit are to choose a civilization as a group and then choose individual topics of study within this civilization.  The students gather information and write a research paper about their topic.  At this time, they also choose one artifact to create out of clay for a class dig.  When this is complete, students plant their artifacts in boxes filled with newsprint for another group to "unearth".  The unit is then finished in reverse mode with teams swapping artifact boxes (dig sites) and repeating the research process in reverse.  Thus each group researches two civilizations.  The new group of students apply for specific jobs on the dig team and "dig" the site all the time recording their findings and developing a dig manual.  Artifacts are plotted as to location in the site and a general hypotheses is developed as to which civilization has been uncovered. Interpretations are made on the naming of each artifact.  Students research individual artifacts and write a paper to be included in the team dig manual along with a class position paper using assenting and dissenting evidence about the civilization gained through the dig and research.  The project culminates with the students creating a museum to display the artifacts, research manual, and dig manual.  This well developed unit can be adapted easily to help the students use current internet resources.  Perhaps the easiest way for the classroom teacher to begin using the internet is by subscribing to a listserv and having students monitor the discussions. The two that could easily enhance this unit are MUSEUM-L AND ARCH-L.  ARCH-L is a group of practicing archaeologist, professors, students, and amateurs interested in the field of archeology.  In the past, they have discussed topics such as urban dig sites, upcoming conferences, and job opportunities.  MUSEUM-L is a group of interested museum personnel.  Museums of all sizes are represented in this group from very small private museums to the Smithsonian in Washington DC.  This group has recently raised questions about everything from what is ethical to sell at a museum store to the guidelines for developing display cases that are accessible to the handicapped.  While the topics discussed by these groups change, they have been proven to raise thought provoking topics for class discussion.  

Use the following guidelines to subscribe to these groups:  ----- ARCH-L  SUBSCRIPTION ADDRESS:             LISTSERV@DGOGWDG1.BITNET  PARTICIPATION ADDRESS:             ARCH-L@DGOGWDG1.BITNET  HOW TO SUBSCRIBE TO THIS DISCUSSION GROUP:             

1. Send an email letter to                LISTSERV@DGOGWDG1.BITNET              2. In the message type only:                  SUBscribe ARCH-L  Your First and Last Names  HOW TO UNSUBSCRIBE TO THIS DISCUSSION GROUP:             1.  Send an email letter to                 LISTSERV@DGOGWDG1.BITNET              2.  In the message type only: SIGNOFF ARCH-L  ----- MUSEUM-L  SUBSCRIPTION ADDRESS:  LISTSERVE@UNMVMA  PARTICIPATION ADDRESS:  MUSEUM-L@UNMVMA.BITNET  HOW TO SUBSCRIBE TO THIS DISCUSSION GROUP:             

1.  Address an email letter to LISTSERV@UNMVMA            
2.  In the message type only:  SUB MUSEUM-L Your Full Name  HOW TO UNSUBSCRIBE FROM THIS DISCUSSION GROUP:            

1.  Address an email letter to LISTSERV@UNMVMA.BITNET                 (or LITSERV@UNMVMA.UNM.EDU)             
2.  In the message type only: SIGNOFF MUSEUM-L  For the more advanced Internet user there are other sources of information available through Gopher.  An excavation simulation program called SyGraf is available, says listserv ARCH-L owner, Sebastian Rahtz.  Connect with gopher to ftp.tex.ac.uk on port 70, and see item 4, Archaeology.  

This reveals       

1. ANU/      
2. ARCH-L/      
3. ASOR/      
4. Anthropology and archaeology gopher sources (Yale, UWA)/     
5. Archaeological Computing Bibliography (WAIS database)/      
6. Clonehenge/      
7. Conservation OnLine (cool) (WAIS databases)/      
8. SyGraf/      
9. WAC/  From there it possible to retrieve the software back to your computer for use in the classroom.  Students can also use the program "veronica" that is accessible from many Gopher sites.  By using simple Boolean operations: 'and', 'or', and 'not', students can find out what is available on the internet about the civilization that their group has chosen.  The above are examples of how the internet can enhance an already in place unit of study.  The internet is a fascinating research tool comprised of primary sources of information such as the listserves offer and secondary sources such as software and traditional written reference material.  As teachers become familiar with the tool, it will become obvious that the internet does not need to be layered on as another "subject" to teach but can be used as a means of adding zest to existing material.  By doing this, students will see a direct connection between what they are learning and the reality of the work force while preparing themselves to use the technology of the information age.