Lesson Plans

Archaeology promotes critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. It is interdisciplinary, and incorporates science, social studies, math, and the humanities. Our educational series “Think Like an Archaeologist” teaches students the basic principles of archaeology, including excavation and artifact classification and analysis.

Think Like an Archaeologist lessons are aligned with the Alabama Course of Study Social Studies standards. These lessons align with standards for 3rd Grade Social Studies, 4th Grade Alabama History, and 8th Grade World History; however, the activities are flexible and can be applied in a variety of courses. 

Click on an activity below to download the instructions and worksheet:

Stratigraphy

Learn about stratigraphy, or soil layers, and how it provides a timeline for past activity at a site

3rd Grade:

SS10.3.13 Describe prehistoric and historic American Indian cultures, governments, and economics in Alabama.

SS10.3.13.1 Identifying roles of archaeologists and paleontologists

8th Grade:

SS 10.8.1 Explain how artifacts and other archaeological findings provide evidence of the nature and movement of prehistoric groups of people.

Cookie Excavation

Excavate a chocolate chip cookie and map finds on a grid

3rd Grade:

SS10.3.13.1 Identifying roles of archaeologists and paleontologists

SS10.3.1.2 Using coordinates to locate points on a grid

8th Grade:

SS 10.8.1 Explain how artifacts and other archaeological findings provide evidence of the nature and movement of prehistoric groups of people.

Artifact Analysis

Study an archaeological artifact from our highlighted finds from the I-10 Mobile River Bridge Archaeology Project

3rd Grade:

SS10.3.13.1 Identifying roles of archaeologists and paleontologists 

8th Grade:

SS 10.8.1 Explain how artifacts and other archaeological findings provide evidence of the nature and movement of prehistoric groups of people.

Historic Ceramics

Study historic ceramics, or pottery, from different countries and time periods

3rd Grade:

SS10.3.1.4 Locating physical and cultural regions using labels, symbols, and legends on an Alabama or world map (Alabama)

SS10.3.2 Locate the continents on a map or globe

SS10.3.5 Compare trading patterns between countries and regions

SS10.3.13.1 Identifying roles of archaeologists and paleontologists

4th Grade:

SS10.4.6  Describe cultural, economic, and political aspects of the lifestyles of early nineteenth-century farmers, plantation owners, slaves, and townspeople.