Grade 5 began their new Unit of Inquiry, digging around for clues of the past.
During the next six weeks, these students will be taking on the role of archaeologists as they investigate the beliefs and products of past civilizations, that have influenced the development of modern culture.
Before embarking on their first excavation, students learned about how archaeologists use grids to record the exact location of artifacts. The class then discussed the importance of making observations and taking detailed notes, in order to make inferences about what past civilizations were like.
After brainstorming questions they might ask themselves while uncovering treasures from the past, students divided their inquiries into each of the key concept questions – i.e. form, function, connection, change causation, perspective, responsibility, reflection.
Finally, it was time to prepare their bags for their adventure into the past. Students made a list of items we would need to take with us on the excavation and were headed out.
The first task our archaeologists had to tackle was laying down the grid. Using geometric skills, students measured out the x and y-axes, divided the increments evenly, and made sure that all necessary gridlines were parallel and perpendicular. Then it was time for digging…
Once the artifacts were uncovered, students brought them back to our facility, where they recorded their findings in great detail.
These Grade 5 students are learning first-hand, how primary sources are used to tell us more about the past and how we got were we are today.
text & photos: FW
