Do Your Own Dig

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In this outdoor archaeology activity, learners use mathematical skills and scientific inquiry to generate and process information from their own excavation site. Learners use household materials to assemble a tool kit, set up a dig site, dig for and record artifacts, create Provenience Cards, photograph, bag and label findings, and analyze their observations. This activity includes tips for Dos and Don'ts. Adult supervision is recommended.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
5 to 10 minutes
Learning Time:
1 to 7 days
Estimated Materials Cost:
$10 - $20 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 11 - 18
Resource Types:
Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

Keywords

Subjects

  • Earth and Space Science
    • Earth's History
      • Archeology
      • Geologic Time
  • Life Sciences
    • Evolution
      • History of Life
  • Mathematics
    • Data Analysis and Probability
      • Data Analysis
      • Data Collection
      • Data Representation
    • Geometry
      • Plane Geometry
    • Measurement
      • Size and Scale
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • About Inquiry
      • Asking Questions
      • Conducting Investigations
      • Gathering Data
      • Formulating Explanations
      • Communicating Results
    • Science as a Career

Informal Categories

  • Citizen Science
  • Outdoor Activity
  • Physical Activity

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • see color
  • read
  • be mobile
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, American Museum of Natural History, 2003