Buy tickets now for the ARI SPEAKEASY: KING OF BOOTLEGGERS event on April 27, 2024
The Junior Group Archaeological Lab Experience at the Archaeological Research Institute (ARI) offers an exciting and educational opportunity for individuals aged 5 to 11. Designed to introduce young participants to the field of archaeology, this engaging experience takes place in the lab setting.
The experience begins with a series of hands-on activities that aim to provide a foundational understanding of archaeology and ARI’s current research questions. These activities are specifically tailored to the age group and are designed to be interactive and enjoyable.
One of the activities is a magnetometry exercise, where participants learn how archaeologists use magnetometers to detect buried features and artifacts. This activity allows the young archaeologists to explore the principles behind remote sensing techniques and understand how they contribute to archaeological investigations.
Another activity involves a unit mockup, which helps teach participants the importance of context in archaeology. They will learn how artifacts found in specific layers or units provide valuable information about past human activities and chronology. Through this hands-on exercise, the participants will grasp the concept of stratigraphy and the significance of preserving archaeological contexts.
Additionally, a site mapping activity allows the young archaeologists to create their own maps of an imaginary archaeological site. They will learn about the importance of accurately recording and documenting artifacts’ spatial relationships within a site and how this information contributes to interpreting past human behaviors.
In the second part of the experience, the participants will have the opportunity to tour the ARI archaeological lab. They will interact with archaeologists who are actively conducting research and have the chance to ask questions about their work. This firsthand exposure to real archaeologists helps inspire curiosity and a deeper understanding of the field.
Furthermore, the young archaeologists will actively contribute to archaeological preservation by participating in the washing and sorting of artifacts. Under the guidance of Public Archaeologists, they will learn how to handle artifacts carefully and contribute to the preservation and cataloging of objects from both historic and pre-contact contexts. This hands-on experience allows them to engage directly with the archaeological process and appreciate the importance of artifact analysis for understanding the past.
The Junior Group Archaeological Lab Experience is designed for groups of at least 12 participants and can accommodate a maximum of 25 individuals. If you have a larger group, custom experiences can be arranged by contacting Samy, the Director of Programming at ARI, via email at samy@exploreari.org.
Overall, this lab experience provides a unique and enriching opportunity for young individuals to learn about archaeology, engage in hands-on activities, interact with professionals, and actively contribute to the preservation of archaeological artifacts. It fosters a sense of curiosity, discovery, and appreciation for the importance of studying the past.
Wear clothes that can get dirty or wet, sturdy close-toed shoes, and don’t forget to bring a sweater or sweatshirt- it can get chilly in the lab!
This program offers an engaging and educational opportunity for young individuals to learn about archaeology in a hands-on and immersive environment.
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