Take this simulated archaeological dig one layer at a time with your young pupils to encourage observation, critical thinking, and careful attention. Using a transparent box full of layers of sand and artifacts, pupils examine the culture, discuss their findings, and as an option, perform an excavation.

Concepts

archaeological digs, archaeology, stratigraphy, excavation, observational skills, critical thinking, hypotheses, teamwork, inferences

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Additional Tags

social studies

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Instructional Ideas

• Connect this to the time in history you are studying by customizing the artifacts that are buried in the dig site
• If you have less time and fewer materials, you can create one dig site for the whole class to observe

Classroom Considerations

• While the instructions are written in complex language, the activity itself is meant for younger kids (but could easily be adapted for older students)
• See the materials for additional ideas and support for how to create simulated digs in your classroom

Pros

• Provides assessment questions for the end of the activity, some of which have suggested answers
• Includes detailed lists of materials necessary for creating the dig site and excavating
• Cross-curricular activity combines social studies and science

Cons

• None