Introduction to Archaeology and Fossils Workshop

An interactive experience with our archaeologist for students in all year levels of Primary or High School (maximum 100 students per workshop).

Archaeology Workshop (photo: Seville Rd State School)

This workshop discusses the basic concepts in the discipline of archaeology and provides a very brief introduction to palaeontology, with examples of some fossil hominin skulls printed on a 3D printer from scans of actual fossils.

Background

Archaeology is a science which enables us to understand the scope of human endeavour through time. We are all familiar with the spectacular monuments such as the pyramids, Parthenon, Colosseum and Easter Island, but archaeology is not just about the spectacular, in fact most of what archaeologists study is the mundane results of ordinary lives in the past.

It is this study of the ordinary that enriches our understanding of how people have faced and overcome a range of challenges in the past, including natural disasters. By understanding our past we are better equipped to face the future.

Details

As well as lots of first-hand pictures of archaeological material, and lively discussions, we will pass around 3D printed hominin skulls when we talk about fossils.

Whilst being careful to differentiate between palaeontology and archaeology, we provide an overview of the fossil record and give students an opportunity to compare features on skulls themselves and thus have a taste of the sorts of analysis performed in the discipline. We also briefly address the role of technology in assisting our investigations into the past.

History has never been so cool!

Pricing and Availability

This workshop is run by OpenSTEM’s resident archaeologist, Dr Claire Reeler. The workshop is about 1.5 hrs long, and costs $250 + GST ($150 + GST for subscribers) for clients in the Brisbane region. For further afield have to charge some travel expenses.

Credits

This OpenSTEM workshop was developed by Dr Claire Reeler.