4th & 5th Grades Dig Outdoor Archaeology Lab
Greg Mele has been rotating the fourth and fifth grades through a simulated dig site at the Outdoor Archaeology Lab on CruPARK. This is separate from the Middle School’s Latin dig and is meant to be an introduction to the science and practice of archaeology. The goals of this experiential learning lab are to help students develop critical thinking and analytical skills, and give them first-hand experience with the scientific methods, tools, and terminology of historical and prehistorical inquiry.
Greg first presented an overview of the aims of archaeology, which included terms such as material culture, context, strata, artifacts, features and physical remains. This information is part of a Quizlet study set created by Greg from an AIA article on simulated digs. The students were then given a set of tools and placed at excavation pits. They were instructed on how to use trowels, artifact brushes and other items for specific purposes in the excavation process.
The artifacts they uncovered were decades-old objects found on CruPARK and once part of the Miller property purchased by the school. The students had the opportunity to apply a systematic approach to uncovering the past and dig up the physical remnants from people who actually lived on CruPARK.
Greg hopes to provide all students at St. Andrew's with this engaging experience of historical inquiry by developing a full-scale Archaeology lab on CruPARK which will be unique in the Austin area.
