ARCHAIC BASIN HOUSE

ARCHAIC BASIN HOUSE

Study the archaeological site of the Blue Knife Site’s basin house in Colorado!

Investigating an Archaic Basin House teaches students about Archaic basin houses and the people who used them approximately 5,000 years ago in Colorado, through authentic archaeological and historical inquiry.

Instructions for the Teacher:
The teacher’s document is 30 pages, consisting of background information and four sections corresponding to the student notebook. It includes archaeologists’ interpretations of the Basin House site and details about the artifacts found. Quadrant maps from the archaeological site of the Blue Knife Site’s basin house are provided for students to study and use.

Student Archaeology Notebook:
The student notebook is 31 pages of articles and activities about the Blue Knife Site’s basin house. Mr. Clifford Duncan, a Ute Elder, guides students through the investigation. Through archaeology students discover artifacts left behind and how pollen analysis assists in the interpretation of artifacts and the lifeways of the sites residents.


The password is the first word on page 79 of the Project Archaeology: Investigating Shelter curriculum guide.