Excavations have fascinated human beings since prehistoric times. It is the process of digging through soil and rock to uncover artifacts, fossils, and other remains of the past. As professionals continue to unearth new discoveries, it’s important to teach students about the significance of excavations and the historical knowledge gained.
In order to provide students with a basic understanding of excavation, teachers can begin by discussing what excavation is and what types of fields it applies to. From paleontology to archaeology to building construction, there are many fields where excavation comes into play. By explaining these fields to students, they can begin to see how excavation is not just a form of digging, but rather a scientific method of discovery.
One of the most important aspects of teaching students about excavation is ensuring they understand the excavation process. A successful excavation relies on careful planning and preparation as well as organization and documentation. When students understand the process, they can begin to appreciate how much work goes into conducting a successful excavation.
As students take a deeper dive into the world of excavation, it’s important to also introduce them to the tools and equipment used in the process. Show them images of the different kinds of tools and explain their uses. A good starting point is explaining the importance of using proper excavation tools to handle artifacts with care to avoid damage.
Finally, students should be given insight into the types of discoveries that come out of excavations. Remains of extinct animals, fossils, ancient housing, jewelry, and pottery are some of the artifacts that can be discovered from an excavation site. Share case studies of famous unsolved mysteries and some of the most significant historical discoveries.
