ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE INVESTIGATION PROGRAM
2010 ASI- SUMMER ARCHAEOLOGY DAY CAMP
WILL UTILIZE THIS PROGRAM
FULL SCHOOL PROGRAM CURRICULUM IS IN DEVELOPMENT -
WITH FIRST CLASSES SCHEDULED FOR LATE 2009.A new component to the Center’s Educational Programming
is in development:
ASI – Archaeological Site Investigation Program will allow for
in-depth, hands-on archaeological investigation to take place, enabling students to experience what it feels like to be a true archaeological researcher. Utilizing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and actual laboratory equipment, such as microscopes, digital calipers, and scientific scales, students will experience an immersion in the current technologies, methodology and processes of archaeology.
A two-hour program will provide an opportunity for students to participate in an exceptional learning experience that will allow them to see themselves in successful roles as scientists, researchers and archaeologists.
Teacher training prior to the visit will include preparatory materials for the classroom. Topics include the history of archaeology in the San Diego region, the basics of scientific inquiry involved in the study of archaeological artifacts, as well as teambuilding, communication and cultural sensitivity activities that will be employed in their visit. Students fill out applications for specific roles and each student is assigned to the team and given individual job assignments.
Students will be given an orientation to the Center’s exhibits by the Education Department and a brief introduction to the facility. They will then be provided with lab coats or role costumes and assigned to groups. In advance of the visit, groups have been assigned a specific role in the archaeological investigative team designated to “open the mysteries of the past.” A scenario for the visit has been developed for students to explore a simulated archaeological site and act out a role as a member of the ASI team.
Students are presented with tasks and realistic dilemmas to increase their critical thinking skills, communication effectiveness and utilization of scientific inquiry and analysis. Students will participate in activities such as artifact analysis, mapping, screening, surveying, assigning sites, logging in site information, and conservation activities.
Students access ASI Research Stations that include equipment and materials for analyzing, categorizing and curating artifacts.
The ASI curricula will target the key educational criteria in social studies, science, math and history. Its impact on students will be an enjoyable and enriching learning environment. The program will be sustained and refreshed by the addition of new scenarios, borrowing from real-life archaeological discoveries in the region and throughout the world.
ASI and sponsorship donors will be advertised through the Center’s quarterly newsletter (2,500 per quarter), website and links with our website partners, via our collaborative nonprofit organization partners, mailings to teachers, schools, home school program resources, teacher’s resources and feature articles in the local press. Specific sponsors will receive recognition for their sponsorship in media releases and in the GIS Kiosk opening scenario page.
Additional in formation will be included on this page as the program is further funded and developed.
FUNDED IN PART BY THE STEPHEN AND MARY BIRCH FOUNDATION
If you are interested in a sponsorship to fully fund this exciting new program, or to express interest in participating in future classes, please contact
Cindy Stankowski, Executive Director.
