Lesson plan based on Cycladic Figure

Simulate an archeological dig in the classroom to explore a culture through its artifacts.

Skills and Focus: Hands-on, Studio, Writing, Discussion, Analysis

Subject Area: Social Science

Thematic Connection: Connecting Past and Present

Grade Level: Elementary School

Time Needed: 90 minutes

Objectives

• Learn how the tools of social science inquiry (e.g., buried art objects) can be used to investigate an ancient culture.

Instructional Materials Needed

Story: Who Is This?

Cycladic figure

worksheet

Shallow foil loaf pans

Sand

Several pieces of cardstock (various sizes)

Excavating tools such as plastic spoons, toothbrushes, and the like.

White charcoal paper or cardstock (1 piece for each student)

Markers, colored pencils, or crayons

Activity

Step 1: Create several cardstock templates of the Cycladic figure and Cycladic vessels (such as small cups, pyxides, and kandiles).

Step 2: Have students use the templates to create their own Cycladic figure and vessels on white charcoal paper or cardstock.

Step 3: Instruct students to decorate their figures and vessels with markers, crayons, or colored pencils in any way they choose.

Step 4: Fill disposable foil loaf pans (or other shallow pans) with sand.

Step 5: Students should bury their Cycladic figure and vessels in the sand.

Step 6: Distribute the pans with their buried treasures and four worksheets to each student. (Each student should have a pan with objects created by a classmate.)

Step 7: Instruct students to use extreme care while using their excavating tools, as tools can damage the objects.

Step 8: Tell students to complete one worksheet each for the figure and three vessels. Then have students discuss what they learned about an ancient culture from the remains they found.

Goals

This activity meets Illinois State Goal 16: Understand and analyze events, trends, individuals and movements shaping the history of Illinois, the United States, and other nations.

Name of the Object _______________________________

Draw or describe the shape of the object.

Draw or describe the decorations on the object.

Are any of the decorations similar? If so, describe how.

How do you think this object was used?

What does this object reveal about the culture that made it?

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