Project Archaeology

Discover the Past – Shape the Future

Discover the Past – Shape the Future

Project Archaeology uses archaeological inquiry to foster understanding of past and present cultures; improve social studies and science education; and enhance citizenship education to help preserve our archaeological legacy.

Why teach archaeology 

Archaeologists ask questions rooted in the social sciences and research those questions using scientific methods. The fusion of social and physical sciences means that archaeology is an excellent way to teach students both scientific inquiry and cultural understanding.

Studying the past gives us a rare chance to examine our place in time and forge links with the human continuum. Everyone can touch the past, but sadly our opportunities are disappearing.  The number of sites that have not been disturbed or looted is dwindling at an alarming rate. Through Project Archaeology, educators can help the schoolchildren of today know and experience America’s rich cultural heritage as the adults of tomorrow.

Ten reasons to choose Project Archaeology

  1. Resources needed to teach these interdisciplinary units are included in the teachers’ manuals
  2. High-interest reading material in science and social studies
  3. Investigations based on real archaeological sites and authentic data
  4. Students “meet” members of descendant communities through each investigation
  5. Inquiry-based lessons are aligned with national standards
  6. Active learning – with numerous opportunities for reading, writing, and discussing
  7. Social studies, science, and math lessons are embedded within the curriculum
  8. A variety of assessment tools are included
  9. Online resources available
  10. Culturally relevant curricula for underserved audiences

What we can do for you

We provide services to educators, students and learners of all ages, and archaeologists in three ways:  1. High-quality curricular materials model authentic archaeological inquiry. 2. Professional development for educators including classroom teachers, informal educators, and archaeologists. 3. Support for Project Archaeology educators through state and regional programs, conferences, new materials, and networking opportunities. How can we help you?
Click below for more information.

 

Professional Development

Our high quality, interactive inquiry-based curricula can be accessed through workshops, online courses, institutes, or job embedded mentoring.

A GREAT summer for educator workshops

A GREAT summer for educator workshops

Summer 2023 was a great one for K-12 educator workshops across the country! National program staff, network members, and state coordinators held workshops in Kansas, Nevada, Colorado, and Minnesota this year, where 41 educators and heritage education professionals...

Discover the Past

Discover the Past

Project Archaeology: 33 Years and Going Strong by Jeanne Moe, Curriculum Director In 1990, a team of archaeologists and educators distributed the first version of the educational materials that would eventually become the national Project Archaeology program. ...

Hello

Hello

by Courtney Agenten, Leadership Team Chair “Seeds are a phenomenon to me. Tiny forms of life that, when watered and exposed to rays of light, reach up, break through the soil, and grasp onto life. In steady persistence, their roots spread and anchor as they grow into...

Help Project Archaeology Save the World

Thank you for supporting our work to develop culturally relevant curricula, instilling cultural understanding, honoring past and present people, preserving archaeological sites through education. Every donation helps us connect people through our shared past.