Last updated: April 22, 2021
Lesson Plan
Archaeologist for a Day
- Grade Level:
- Upper Elementary: Third Grade through Fifth Grade
- Subject:
- Literacy and Language Arts,Social Studies
- Lesson Duration:
- 30 Minutes
- State Standards:
- AZ State Standards
3.H1.1. and 4.H1.1. Utilize a variety of sources to construct a historical narrative exploring Arizona’s cultures, civilizations, and innovations.
3.SP1.2 and 4.SP1.2. Compare life in specific historical time periods to life today.
Essential Question
How do archaeological findings help us interpret the past?
Objective
Students will:
• Conduct original research about Grand Canyon archaeology
• Write an original creative story about an object they value
• Compare and contrast their story and findings with other students’ work
Preparation
Materials Needed
- Internet or library access for research (if available)
- Paper
- Pencil
Lesson Hook/Preview
How do objects that we value impact and play a role in our lives? How can we relate special objects in our lives to archaeological findings at the Grand Canyon?
Procedure
Engage
Think about an object that is special to you. Why is that object special? What significance does it have for you, or even for other people in your life? How might this relate to objects that others find special as well?Explore
Imagine that someone finds your special object in the future. What story would it tell? Have students write original, creative stories about their objects. In the future, where may it be found? What was it used for? How might someone in the future use that same object? Once students write their stories, have them share with their peers, either in pairs or groups. Each student can share what their object is, why it is special to them, and the creative story they wrote about it.An alternate option for this activity is that after students choose their special object, they swap objects with another student, and students write the story of the other person’s object and then share.Explain
Just as we all have objects that are special to us, different objects and belongings have been special to various groups of people over time. Archaeology is the study of human history through special objects, known as artifacts, that have been left behind. Archaeologists explore places such as the Grand Canyon, searching for artifacts at various places. Examples of archaeological findings at the Grand Canyon include split twig figurines, projectile points, pottery, and more. Archaeologists interpret the meaning and function behind these artifacts. One important way they learn more is through talking to members of Grand Canyon’s 11 Traditionally Associated Tribes. The term “traditionally associated” refers to tribes whose cultural history has strong connections to a particular landscape. Members of these 11 tribes often have oral histories related to various artifacts, which can help deepen understandings of the canyon’s rich human history.Elaborate
Have students research archaeological findings at the Grand Canyon. Have students choose one object that stands out to them. Where was it found? When? What was it used for? What significance did it have for people who made and used it? How could you use this object today? Explain that these findings are not comprehensive and that there will likely be more archaeological discoveries in the future.The park website is a helpful resource: https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/historyculture/arch.htm.