DISCOVER THE PAST
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.
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WE ENVISION A WORLD IN WHICH ALL PEOPLE UNDERSTAND AND APPRECIATE THEIR OWN CULTURE AND HISTORY AND THOSE OF OTHERS.
Project Archaeology is an educational organization dedicated to teaching scientific and historical inquiry, cultural understanding, and the importance of protecting our nation’s rich cultural resources. We are archaeologists, educators, and concerned citizens working to make archaeology education accessible to students and teachers nationwide through educational materials and professional development. This organization gives students a basic understanding of how archaeology works, and teaches them to respect and protect our nation’s rich cultural heritage. We provide services to school and museums educators, students of all ages, and archaeologists including: high-quality curricular materials which model authentic archaeological inquiry; professional development for educators and archaeologists; and support for educators through state and regional programs.
SHAPE THE FUTURE
Teaching Archaeology
Why Teach Archaeology Today?
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.
10 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 are available. 10: Culturally relevant curricula for underserved audiences.
MORE ABOUT US
Learn our history, exciting changes for our future, and how you can get involved
Our History, Our New Journey
Project Archaeology is a national archaeology education program founded by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for educators and their students. It was developed in the early 1990s for three purposes: to develop awareness of our nation’s diverse and fragile archaeological sites, to instill a sense of personal responsibility for stewardship of these sites, and to enhance science literacy and cultural understanding through the study of archaeology. The program began in Utah in 1990 as a statewide project to combat the vandalism and looting of archaeological sites.
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Meet the Staff
The Project Archaeology National Program consists of directors and staff, a leadership team, and a diverse network of archaeology educators that provide leadership, guidance, and support.
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Four Key Components
Project Archaeology is Composed of Four Integral Components: High-quality grade-level and regionally appropriate curricular materials. Professional development for formal and informal educators. Continuing professional support. A national network of archaeology educators. We are a National Network Project Archaeology operates through a national network of state and regional programs. These programs offer local workshop and institutes for educators; experiences for school groups and family learners at archaeological sites, museums, and visitor centers; and continuing support for Project Archaeology teachers.
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Participation Opportunities
PROJECT ARCHAEOLOGY PARTICIPANTS DISCOVER THE SCIENCE OF ARCHAEOLOGY THROUGH: lesson plans that teach basic concepts and principles; the expertise of professional archaeologists; discussions of the need to preserve and protect sites and artifacts; and consideration of Native American and other cultural perspectives on archaeological preservation.
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Testimonials
Check Out What Others Think of Project Archaeology
Project Archaeology is a national leader in archaeology education and provides a way for federal agencies to fulfill Section 106 compliance goals. Project Archaeology develops and distributes high-quality education products in conjunction with Section 106 projects and delivers them to educators through professional development. The national reach of the program ensures wide-spread distribution of products. Because Project Archaeology is a permanent national program, new products will be distributed through the National Network of State and Regional Project Archaeology programs, through the Internet and direct sales to educators.
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Strategic Plan
We envision a world in which all people understand and appreciate their own culture and history and the culture and history of others.
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