For Teachers

Archeology is a fascinating field for children and adults alike. Archeologists study our past through the materials that our ancestors left behind. These may be prehistoric materials such as arrowheads or food processing tools, or bullets from the Civil War, or ceramics, glass and other domestic and architectural materials. But how do archeologists interpret these remains? Below are links to National Park Service and other sites which help explain archeology and what archeologists do. Many of these sites are geared to educators and several have lesson plans that can be adapted to your needs:

Classroom Resources 

• American Anthropological Association – For Teachers
• Archaeological Institute of America – For Teachers
    Lesson Plans Available
• Archeology in the Classroom: A Case Study from Arizona (NPS Technical Brief #4)
• Archaeology in the Community
• Exploring Historical Archaeology for Teachers
• Integrating Archaeology into K-12 Education
• Smithsonian Education – Decoding the Past: The Work of Archaeologists
    Lesson Plans Available
• Virginia DHR – Resources for Teachers and Students
    Teacher Guide and Activity Book – Solving History's Mysteries

Field Trips (around Washington, D.C.) 

• Alexandria Archaeology Museum
• Historic London Town Archaeology Tours

National Park Service Links 

• NPS Archeology
• Archeology for Interpreters: A Guide to Knowledge of the Resource

Law & Policy Links 

• Antiquities Act (1906-2006)
• Archeology Laws

Select Standards 

District of Columbia

• Learning Standards – Grades K-8
• Learning Standards – High School Subjects

Maryland

• Standards: PK-8
• Standards: 9-12

Virginia

• Standards of Learning – Overview  (History & Social Science)
• The Standards and SOL-Based Resources

West Virginia

• Common Core Standards
• Next Generation Content Stadards and Objectives

National

• Common Core State Standards Initiative
• National Center for History in the Schools (UCLA)

Do you know of other sites that may be of interest? Please let us know.

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Please help us preserve our national heritage for everyone. Pass the word: Unauthorized metal detecting and artifact collecting are strictly forbidden in all parks and on all other federal property. Thank you.