aia eduction fair activity proposal

7/28/2019 AIA Eduction Fair Activity Proposal

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Archeological Institute of America & Museum of Science 3rd AnnualArcheological Fair

AIA Department of Outreach and Education

Childrens Activity Proposal:Archeological Finds & Stratigraphic Relationships

IntroductionFor the past two years, the Archeological Institute of America andthe Museum of Sciences Annual Archeology Fair has aimed to provide afun and accessible educational experience for students, teachers, familiesand museum visitors of all ages. In line with the mission of both theMuseum and the AIA Department of Outreach and Education, this Fairstrives to not only inform, but to encourage further exploration andappreciation of archeological sciences. Participants of all ages are invitedto discover the world of archeology through live presentations, specialprograms and lectures, discussions with local archeologists and

professionals and hands-on educational activities. This proposal seeks topresent one possible educational activity for K-8 students, educators, andfamilies to work individually or within groups to learn about archeologicalstratigraphy in an interactive, informative and entertaining way.

GoalsThe activity strives to inform participants in basic principles of

archeological stratigraphy as well as exercise the skills of critical thinking,reasoning and deduction. Students, whether working alone, with a parentor teacher, or in groups, will find this activity challenging, yet

enlightening. The activity is designed to cover a wide range of timeperiods, artifact types, cultures and peoples in the hope that allparticipants will find a specific area of interest and fascination. Whileworking as an introduction to methods of archeological theory, practiceand basic terminology, this activity is designed to be manageable forparticipants of all ages, providing just enough challenge to interest olderstudents and simplicity to retain its accessibility to younger learners.Overall, the primary objective of this learning activity is that eachparticipant enjoys a fun and enriching educational experience.

Activity OutlineThe Archeological Finds & Stratigraphic Relationships learningactivity is an open-ended exercise geared towards K-8 students. Theactivity center is a large color poster board depicting a section drawing ofa hypothetical archeological dig. The drawing clearly shows ninestratigraphic layers ranging from the prehistoric Neolithic to the Modern

Page 1Childrens Activity Proposal:

Archeological Finds & Stratigraphic Relationships


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ages, including archeological evidence of ancient Roman roads, Iron ageditches, 18th century cobbles and Medieval walls. Each participant willhave access to a variety of magnetic artifacts including objects such asNeolithic arrowheads, Victorian coins, medieval jewelry and metalwork

and even objects reflecting modern technology. Students will also beequipped with a Finds Inventory, a booklet of context sheets listing allof the artifacts. The Finds Inventory will act as the main investigatorytool as it identifies each object and offers is contextual informationincluding its materials, associated finds and other helpful comments.

These context sheets should reveal some indication of the correctstratigraphic position of the artifact, indicating when it was made, whoused it and where it was found. Some artifacts will be more challengingthan others, requiring students to utilize deduction and critical thinking.Others will be more direct and reveal helpful information concerningexact dates or cultures, leaving students with the responsibility ofdetermining where and when the artifact fits into the stratigraphy. Onceparticipants have reached a conclusion based on information drawn fromthe object itself, its inventory description, context sheets and historicalknowledge of the periods and cultures, they will be able to magneticallyplace the artifact within its correct stratigraphical layer. Each participantis invited to investigate and place as many artifacts as they please,hopefully allowing them to learn a bit about each of the nine time periods.

Materials Needed

1 Magnetic Stratigraphy Sectional Drawing Board (36in x 48in) 24 Magnetic Artifacts (Various Sizes)

2-3 Finds Inventory (Context sheet booklet)

Stratification Guide Laminated Printouts

Proposed BudgetMain Activity Board:

Color print on heavy weight coated paper, 36 x 48 @ app.45.00/ea $ 45.00

Magnets, 1 pack @ app. 12.99/pack $13.00

Foam Poster Board, 20in x 30in @ app. 5.29/ea$ 10.00

Artifacts:




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Magnets, 3 packs @ app. 12.99/pack $40.00

Finds Inventory/Stratification Guide:

Basic Printing, 3 copies, color, double sided-----Lamination $

10.00

Total Expenditures: $118.00



aia eduction fair activity proposal

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