NOVA follows an international team of archaeologists, cartographers, topographers, and divers as they catalog and map thousands of previously inaccessible ancient artifacts. Before Watching Archaeology teams often locate, identify, catalog, and map the artifacts they find. Have students generate a list of skills that team members should possess to be on a team like this. Students should consider site location, types of artifacts, and project goals as they determine skills each team member must have. As students watch, have them look for the different expertise and skills represented on the team and the contributions made by each team member.
Some archaeologists specialize in marine archaeology, most often exploring sunken ships.
As students watch, have them keep a list of the challenges involved in working underwater. After Watching The divers at Alexandria cataloged the positions of thousands of individual artifacts to create a map of the underwater site. Students can catalog and map objects on a tabletop site in the Tabletop Map activity. Divide students into teams of three to five. Gather materials and distribute the activity sheets .