Introduction to Archaeology TES OER

A text 'Introduction to Archaeology Lesson 1: Introduction' on the right with a figure of a cartoon archaeologist on the left

We are delighted to publish the first-ever set of archaeology resources from the University of Edinburgh’s GeoScience Outreach Course, ‘Introduction to Archaeology’. This resource is created for learners aged 10-12 at the second curriculum level and introduces the field of archaeology as well as the rich archaeological heritage of the Orkney Islands in a fun and interactive way. It consists of seven lessons, and teachers are encouraged to either teach the entire module or teach lessons as standalone classes at their discretion.

Throughout the seven lessons, learners will explore the important concepts around archaeology and the skills needed to be a good archaeologists. They will be ticking off their newfound skills along the way in the accompanying ‘Archaeology Skills Passport’. Learners are encouraged throughout the lessons to think creatively and work collaboratively through a range of activities, such as excavation activities, drawing exercises and group discussions, allowing them to develop a range of Es&Os in a highly interdisciplinary and active way.

The lessons are available here:

1. Introducing Archaeology: a lesson introducing the field of archaeology and the artefacts archaeologists deal with.

2. Introducing the Orkney Islands: a lesson introducing the Orkney islands and their historical significance and archaeological finds.

3. Excavation: a lesson focused on an interactive excavation project for hands-on learning with digital alternatives.

4. Human-Environment Interactions: a lesson introducing how humans adapt to, depend on, and modify their environments.

5. Orkney and Human-Environment Interactions: a lesson looking closer at human-environment interactions on Orkney through the Mesolithic, the Neolithic, and the Viking Age.

6. Protecting Sites: a lesson examining current threats to archaeological sites and how learners can help combat them by educating the public.

7. Educating the Public: a lesson focused on poster-making and presentation to use and retain the information learned.

Experiences and Outcomes:

LIT 2-28a: I can convey information, describe events, explain processes or combine ideas in different ways.

EXA 2-02a: I have the opportunity to choose and explore an extended range of media and technologies to create images and objects, comparing and combining them for specific tasks. 

EXA 2-05a: Inspired by a range of stimuli, I can express and communicate my ideas, thoughts and feelings through activities within art and design. 

HWB 2-19a: Opportunities to carry out different activities and roles in a variety of settings have enabled me to identify my achievements, skills and areas for development. This will help me to prepare for the next stage in my life and learning. 

HWB 2-20a: I am investigating different careers/occupations, ways of working, and learning and training paths. I am gaining experience that helps me recognise the relevance of my learning, skills and interests to my future life. 

SCN 2-20a: Through research and discussion, I have an appreciation of the contribution that individuals are making to scientific discovery and invention and the impact this has made on society. 

SCN 2-20b: I can report and comment on current scientific news items to develop my knowledge and understanding of topical science. 

SOC 2-02a: I can interpret historical evidence from a range of periods to help build a picture of Scotland’s heritage and my sense of chronology. 

SOC 2-04a: I can compare and contrast a society in the past with my own and contribute to a discussion of the similarities and differences. 

SOC 2-06a: I can discuss why people and events from a particular time in the past were important, placing them within a historical sequence. 

SOC 2-08a: I can discuss the environmental impact of human activity and suggest ways in which we can live in a more environmentally- responsible way. 

MNU 2-11b: I can use the common units of measure, convert between related units of the metric system and carry out calculations when solving problems. 

MNU 2-11c: I can explain how different methods can be used to find the perimeter and area of a simple 2D shape. 

TCH 2-02a: I can use digital technologies to search, access and retrieve information and am aware that not all of this information will be credible. 

 

‘Introduction to Archaeology’ was created by Sam Connor, adapted into an OER by August Enger and Mayu Ishimoto. The resource is available under a Creative Commons AttributionShareAlike 4.0 license unless otherwise stated.

Header Image Attribution: Archaeologist Archaeology Excavation by Eva Pokorna from Pixabay, Pixabay Content License.