Archaeological Finds Grade Level: Middle School, High School Curriculum Connections: Behavorial & Social Studies, Science,

History, Language arts Required Software: Microsoft Encarta Reference Library 2004 What's in this Lesson:

Teacher Guide (including How to Begin) Student Activity, Step-by-Step: Step A: Explore the Science of Archaeology Step B: Create Your Report Step C: Present Your Findings

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

Objectives: To demonstrate an understanding of the goals and methods of archaeology and to write a report of an archaeological dig at a site associated with a specific culture. Time Allotted: Approximately two or three class periods

How to Begin: 1. Go to the article Archaeology in the Encarta Reference Library 2004. Show the students the image of "Moche Lords of Sipn," 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 palaeontologist, a 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.

Extensions (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.

Student Activity Description: You will research the science of archaeology and use what you learn to write a magazine article describing a discovery at a dig. Step A Explore the Science of Archaeology 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 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 B Create 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 article. Step C Present Your Findings 1. Use the Encarta Researcher as your guide to preparing your article. Include any pictures, text, maps, or other items that help illustrate your findings.