Incorporating Archaeology into the Classroom “ Now that I have recovered my sanity after such an exhaustive project, I count the Archaeology course among the most rewarding experiences of my career. . . but regardless of whether they were ultimately turned on or off by the field, I think all the students would agree that archaeology is an effective way to study history. . .” Matt Glendinning, teacher

“ Now that I have recovered my sanity after such an exhaustive project, I count the Archaeology course among the most rewarding experiences of my career. . . but regardless of whether they were ultimately turned on or off by the field, I think all the students would agree that archaeology is an effective way to study history. . .” Matt Glendinning, teacher

This study will be used to measure student’s enthusiasm for learning history. The study may also be used in the future as part of another effort to implement a program in Hamilton County based on an award-winning program based in South Georgia.

The focus of my research to measure students’ enthusiasm for history by incorporating archaeology into the classroom.

The focus of my research to measure students’ enthusiasm for history by incorporating archaeology into the classroom.

It is hoped that this study will: Increase student’s interest in history Better help students retain historical content Increase student’s appreciation for diverse cultures Develop a deeper appreciation in students for protecting our cultural resources

Increase student’s interest in history

Better help students retain historical content

Increase student’s appreciation for diverse cultures

Develop a deeper appreciation in students for protecting our cultural resources

My research questions are: Will incorporating archaeology into the classroom increase students enthusiasm for learning history? Will the hands-on method of archaeology lead to a better retention of historical content, especially and most importantly in the long term?

Will incorporating archaeology into the classroom increase students enthusiasm for learning history?

Will the hands-on method of archaeology lead to a better retention of historical content, especially and most importantly in the long term?

How do students benefit? For students, archaeology is An adventure that provides rich opportunities in all areas of learning A mystery-laden experience that requires imagination, creativity, and logic.

An adventure that provides rich opportunities in all areas of learning

A mystery-laden experience that requires imagination, creativity, and logic.

How do teachers benefit? Teachers who include archaeology in their curricula discover that it is A way to teach critical thinking skills Interdisciplinary Conducive to small groups and cooperative learning Culturally aware and culturally sensitive

A way to teach critical thinking skills

Interdisciplinary

Conducive to small groups and cooperative learning

Culturally aware and culturally sensitive

Subjects I anticipate that the subjects will be from area middle and high schools, and will come from all socio-economic levels. All necessary ethical precautions will be taken.

I anticipate that the subjects will be from area middle and high schools, and will come from all socio-economic levels.

All necessary ethical precautions will be taken.

Those affected by the study include: Students Teachers Parents The community at large.

Students

Teachers

Parents

The community at large.

Resources necessary to complete the study: For a virtual dig, a computer can be used. For the actual dig, I anticipate grant money will be used for funding the entire project.

For a virtual dig, a computer can be used.

For the actual dig, I anticipate grant money will be used for funding the entire project.

Procedures for conducting the study: I will give a pre- and post questionnaire based on measuring student’s enthusiasm for learning history by incorporating archaeology into the classroom. I will conduct a virtual dig based on a model designed by teacher David Cooper that students will carry out. I will measure enthusiasm by observation and by questionnaire results.

I will give a pre- and post questionnaire based on measuring student’s enthusiasm for learning history by incorporating archaeology into the classroom.

I will conduct a virtual dig based on a model designed by teacher David Cooper that students will carry out.

I will measure enthusiasm by observation and by questionnaire results.

Data Based on teacher comments, I anticipate enthusiasm to rise immediately and stay high after implementing archaeology into the classroom.

Based on teacher comments, I anticipate enthusiasm to rise immediately and stay high after implementing archaeology into the classroom.

Reliability and validity of data The questionnaire was re-worded on the recommendations of a teacher who used the same method on her students while implementing her “Archaeology in the Classroom project.”

The questionnaire was re-worded on the recommendations of a teacher who used the same method on her students while implementing her “Archaeology in the Classroom project.”

The study could lead to a county-wide program such as the one in Glynn County, Georgia The program has been such a local success that an adjoining county (St. Mary’s) is implementing their own program.

The program has been such a local success that an adjoining county (St. Mary’s) is implementing their own program.

This study will definitely increase enthusiasm, which will positively affect the school, colleagues and impact the “culture” of the school. “Sandy. . .the students LOVE learning this way! Authentic projects, activities; learning is the BEST! They remember this stuff for the rest of their lives. I only wish we would create authentic experiences for every grade level!” Debbie Phillips, teacher, Oglethorpe Elementary School, Glynn County, Georgia

“ Sandy, thanks for giving me an opportunity to praise the archaeology program in Glynn County. I'm finishing my 23rd year of teaching, and of all the new programs I have been introduced to over the years, archaeology is by far the best for teaching a mixture of math, social studies, science, and Language art skills …

“ Sandy, thanks for giving me an opportunity to praise the archaeology program in Glynn County. I'm finishing my 23rd year of teaching, and of all the new programs I have been introduced to over the years, archaeology is by far the best for teaching a mixture of math, social studies, science, and Language art skills …

. . .It is possible to teach any type or period of history through archaeology. Students really have a desire to want to learn more about history during and after archaeology. Many use the computer to enrich their learning or even go to different historical periods to find out more. It is such a great link to ancient history…

. . .It is possible to teach any type or period of history through archaeology. Students really have a desire to want to learn more about history during and after archaeology. Many use the computer to enrich their learning or even go to different historical periods to find out more. It is such a great link to ancient history…

. . .As far as test scores, our students do well on the social studies part of the CRCT. I feel they have a much better understanding of the Colonial period after studying archaeology. . .” Trisha Perry, teacher, Oglethorpe Elementary School, Glynn County, Georgia.

. . .As far as test scores, our students do well on the social studies part of the CRCT. I feel they have a much better understanding of the Colonial period after studying archaeology. . .” Trisha Perry, teacher, Oglethorpe Elementary School, Glynn County, Georgia.