Our programs are designed to engage and educate youth of all ages. Archaeology in the Community has regular educational programming and can create a custom lesson, activity, or lecture to best serve your classroom or community.
Young Archaeologists' Club
Middle School | Free
The Young Archaeologists' Club is for middle-school aged youth interested in archaeology. Students will work with professional archaeologists and explore archaeological science through hands-on activities, crafts, and games. Participation is free, but registration is required.
The schedule includes a rotation of eight in-person locations, one in each Ward of Washington, DC, and virtual options between March and August. At each location, there will be the same "Introducing Archaeology" session and a different special topic session. To register for special topics, students must have previously participated in AITC's Young Archaeologists' Club or will have participated in an "Introducing Archaeology" session by the time of the special topic session.
- Introducing Archaeology: Explore what archaeologists do, different types of skills and specialties, and take part in an indoor "excavation."
- Zooarchaeology (Animals in the Past): Learn how archaeologists identify animal bones and how people and animals interacted in the past.
- Archaeobotany (Plants in the Past): Discover how archaeologists find plant remains that show how people used plants in the past, such as for food, dyes, inks, structures, and more.
- Archaeology of Toys and Games: Discuss the history of toys and play an ancient Mesopotamian board game: the Royal Game of Ur.
- DC History: Explore our local history and material culture at the Anacostia Community Museum.
- What Happens to Artifacts?: Learn more about what happens to the artifacts after archaeologists excavate them and tell your own story by creating a mini museum exhibit.
- 3D Modeling and Printing: Build new technology skills by practicing 3D modeling techniques used by archaeologists and painting a 3D printed replica artifact.
- Pottery Making and Mending: Discover the science of ceramics by making pottery and practicing putting broken pottery back together.
- Frauds and Fakes in Archaeology: Explore how to tell the difference between real and fake archaeological news stories and create your own Public Service Announcement to correct a misconception about archaeology.
This year's program is supported by a Battelle STEM Education grant.
Archaeologist for a Day
All Ages | Free/Paid
In our one-day program, an archaeologist will conduct an in-person workshop for students. Workshops are tailored to best engage with the age group and meet your goals and time limitations. We conduct practical activities that introduce youth to archaeology and scientific inquiry and can adjust the curriculum to align with state standards. Some examples of activities include:
This program is free for all public schools in the Washington, DC metro area. There may be a fee for private schools and groups to cover costs, time, and travel. Contact us with more details about your needs.
- Introductory lecture to archaeology
- A mock excavation and working through the steps of the scientific method
- Analyzing modern trash to understand how archaeologists study artifacts
- Documenting rock art
- Identifying seeds and plants in the past
- Crafting pottery
- Story time with an archaeology-related book
This program is free for all public schools in the Washington, DC metro area. There may be a fee for private schools and groups to cover costs, time, and travel. Contact us with more details about your needs.
Virtual Classroom Visit
All Ages | Free
Request a professional archaeologist for a virtual visit with students anywhere you are located. The format can be adjusted based on your needs, but this is often a student-led discussion. Contact us to set up a virtual session for your class. You can also find Archaeology in the Community through Skype a Scientist.
Request a professional archaeologist for a virtual visit with students anywhere you are located. The format can be adjusted based on your needs, but this is often a student-led discussion. Contact us to set up a virtual session for your class. You can also find Archaeology in the Community through Skype a Scientist.
Customized Archaeology Programs
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We can work with your educational institution, cultural organization, scouting troop, library, or community group to develop a custom program. Instructors employ hands-on activities to teach archaeology through critical thinking, science, history, math, or technological skills. The curricula are designed not only to teach age-appropriate skills, but also to inspire the student’s imagination.
If you are an educator, Boy or Girl Scout troop leader, or anyone excited to explore archaeology, contact us with more details about your needs. |
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