Archaeological finds and the classroom

Some cross-curricular activities for KS2

 

Introduction

 

Who will benefit from using this website?
These web pages are intended for teachers who want to use elements of archaeology in teaching at KS2. It will allow you to present your children with a hands-on experience of the past and bring history to life for them.

 

Using finds
Investigating artefacts can provide a stimulating way to engage children with the past. In these pages you will find lesson plans and educational activities which will allow you to generate your own finds through practical field work and then to analyse them back in the classroom. All the lesson plans and activity ideas are here to allow you to carry out the following practical tasks with your class.

 

A beginner's look at objects
There are lots of ways to introduce the idea of looking at objects to your class. For some simple activity ideas click here.

 

Fieldwalking
Archaeologists can tell a lot about what lies under the surface of the ground by walking across a ploughed filed and picking up material they find on the way. So can you and your class. For a full lesson outline click here.

 

Molehill Survey
This activity is a simplified version of fieldwalking. Ideal for younger pupils. For a lesson outline click here.

 

Garden survey
This works on the same principle as fieldwalking, only pupils are asked to pick up materials from their own gardens. For a full lesson outline click here.

 

More about finds handling and interpretation
Once you've assembled your finds you can start to analyse them. For ideas and activities click here.

For tips on identifying your finds click click here.

 

This page is in the Teacher section.
The other sections of our web site are aimed at:

A local researcher: Member of a local society or an Interested member of the public.

A Historic Environment Professional.

A Developer.