Overview

In this activity, students will explore the science of archaeology and how it contributes to our understanding of humanity.

Archaeological finds

Lesson plan information

Teacher guide

Description

In this activity, students will explore the science of archaeology and how it contributes to our understanding of humanity.

Objectives

• Students will demonstrate an understanding of the goals and methods of archaeology.
• Students will write a report of an archaeological dig at a site associated with a specific culture.

Prerequisite skills

• Basic research skills using Microsoft Encarta and Microsoft Internet Explorer

How to begin

1. Go to the article "Archaeology" in the Encarta Reference Library 2005. Show the students the image of "Moche Lords of Sipán," and read the caption describing the tombs. Ask the students what this discovery might tell us about the people who lived there. How do we know this culture existed between 100 and 800 A.D.? Why is it important to know about these people?
2. Discuss the difference between being a paleontologist, an historian, and an archaeologist. Tell the students that in this activity they will take on the role of an archaeologist who makes an important discovery at an ancient site.

Student activity

Description

In this activity you will research the science of archaeology and use what you learn to write a magazine article describing a discovery at a dig.

Step 1: explore the science of archaeology

• Software: Microsoft Encarta, Microsoft Internet Explorer
• What to do
  Research the science of archeology

1. Start Encarta and click Articles. Read the article "Archaeology," paying particular attention to the goals and processes of this science.
2. Choose an ancient culture to explore.

Note: There are many cultures cited in the "Archaeology" article. You may also look up Ancient Sites in Articles, or browse the dynamic timeline.

3. Review pertinent articles about the culture, as well as related entries, multimedia, and Web sites suggested by the Encarta articles.

Note: Encarta offers a number of 3-D virtual tours of ancient ruins and extinct landmarks, and 360° virtual tours of ancient sites.

Step 2: create your report

• Software: Microsoft Encarta, Microsoft Internet Explorer
• What to do
  Organize your research and outline your report

1. Gather information from all appropriate articles, sidebars, media features, and Web sources to explain what you learned about the chronology of your discovery and what your reconstruction might say about the civilization.
2. Use the Encarta Researcher in the Homework Center to help you organize your information and outline your report.

Step 3: present your findings

• Software: Microsoft Office Word, Microsoft Encarta, Internet Explorer
• What to do
  Complete your report

• Use the Encarta Researcher as your guide to preparing your report. Include any pictures, text, maps, or other items that help illustrate your findings.

Ways to extend the student activity (for older students)

Have students examine three ways cultures along an ancient trade route influenced each other, and use Encarta's World Atlas and Dynamic Timeline to create a map of the trade route to track their findings.

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