Archaeology is about the things that people leave behind - which is often rubbish, but very valuable rubbish providing a fascinating insight into how people used to live. The second activity uses both real and replica artefacts to recreate the excavation of a medieval house in Boston. They examine the artefacts, build up their evidence and try to determine who lived in house from a list of characters. There is also a quiz table with two 'mystery' objects for students to identify and a quiz sheet which tests further their knowledge of archaeology. Photograph taken by David Smith Pete Bennett, the Head of History at the Giles School, hopes that local teachers will find the loans pack a useful resource.
Teachers are provided with the artefacts, the worksheets and a teachers guide.
We have successfully trialed the prototype material at the Giles School and the pupils enjoyed the independent approach to learning. The loan package is available free of charge to secondary schools in the local area for up to three weeks from December 4th. It is aimed at group 4 of the National Curriculum history skills - 'historical enquiry'. For more information contact the Guildhall Museum on 01205 365954. Susan Smith is available to visit schools in the administrative area covered by Boston Borough Council.