In this article the authors describe an Integrative Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Education Design-Based Learning (I-STEM ED DBL) activity that invites students to delve into the science, technology, and engineering related to the production of Ötzi's copper axe and to speculate about the circumstances surrounding his…

Mock excavations, or "dig boxes," offer students a hands-on opportunity to explore artifacts and their importance and to learn the principles of context and stratigraphic association. The dig box can be central to discussing differences that existed between classes, races, ethnic groups, and the sexes at different times in history. By…

Archaeological digs can be important learning experiences for gifted students. Determining the site, planning for the dig, and identifying the artifacts should be carefully planned. Ten related activities are described, such as researching the dig site and interpreting the artifacts. (CL)

The fascination with buried treasures and lost civilizations transcends all ages and serves as an effective magnet for drawing students toward the study of archaeology. Connecting students to the past gives them a better understanding of their own present and future. In this article, the author describes how the scientific method of investigation…

An outcome of a federal project for highly gifted students, the booklet outlines a course in archaeology. Introductory notes assess the value of critical thinking and inter-disciplinary exploration in archaeology. Narrative information on the history and theory of archaeology are followed by task cards designed to be given to students for…

Reviews several definitions of material culture and material culture research. Identifies the special characteristics and pitfalls of material culture research appraising how such research can be useful in historical explanation. Forecasts expectations for materials culture research over the next decade. (JDH)

The article presents a curriculum unit designed to teach gifted, talented, and creative fourth-, fifth-, and sixth-graders anthropology and archaeology. (DLS)

The article presents a teaching unit for gifted upper elementary students, which focuses on the Amarna Period of Ancient Egypt. (Author/DLS)

Within the context of American studies, this article explores how material artifacts, in this case early American structures and dwellings representative of different sections of the United States, can illuminate the history of a community. (JDH)

Author states environmental archaeology involves reconstructing past environmental conditions from archaeological evidence, allowing development of earlier human societies to be understood in relation to factors such as their food supplies, state of health, etc. This article illustrates links between archeological and environmental evidence, and…

Lullingstone, in Kent, England, is a Roman villa which was in use for almost the whole period of the Roman occupation of Britain during the fourth century A.D. Throughout this teacher's handbook, emphasis is placed on the archaeological evidence for conclusions about the use of the site, and there are suggested activities to help students…

Lesson plans for teaching elementary students about archaeology are provided in this book. The lessons are designed to encourage students to practice the development of critical thinking skills through synthesizing, analyzing, evaluating, hypothesizing, applying, and deductive and inductive reasoning. Lesson and instructional materials, and 13…

Describes techniques used by a sixth-grade teacher to introduce students studying Greek culture to the methods of inquiry used by social scientists. For example, playing the role of archaeologists, students gathered wastebaskets from all parts of the school. They sorted through the containers as they would historical evidence. (RM)

Archaeology is the most integrated discipline that combines such diverse fields as anthropology, geology, biology, history, and art among others. Describes Project Archaeology's "Intrigue of the Past" teachers' activity guide, the objective of which is to educate students to take responsible and thoughtful actions towards their…

Explains the planning procedure for outdoor classrooms and introduces an integrated unit on monarch butterflies called the Monarch Watch program. Makes recommendations to solve financial problems of outdoor classrooms. (YDS)