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The Ancient Cliff Dwellers of Mesa Verde

For Teachers 3rd - 6th
Learners research evidence discovered during Mesa Verde archaeological dig, view images of ancient artifacts, simultate real dig and reconstruct items buried on school grounds, and create newsletter or video tape skit.
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The Anasazi

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders investigate and determine the origins of the ancient Anasazi who inhabited present-day Utah and the Four-Corners-Region, after receiving direct instruction and carrying out activities in cooperative group settings. They...
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Poverty Point Earthworks: Louisiana's Ancient Inhabitants

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students research the prehistoric earthworks site at Poverty Point, Louisiana. They compare the Louisiana artifacts and structure to the remains and knowledge of other ancient cultures. They present their research to the class.
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Ancient Artifacts

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students research the earliest Americans. In this ancient civilizations lesson, students investigate the Mayas, Aztecs, and Incas. Students examine artifacts used in the cultures and then determine what the artifacts were used for and...
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Egyptian Fairy Tale

For Teachers 5th - 6th
Learners explore ancient Egyptian culture and government. In this social studies lesson plan, students compare the legal system from ancient Egypt to our current American legal system. Links are included for web searching Egypt and the...
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This Old Ship

For Teachers 7th - 8th
Junior archaeologists will be able to describe shipwreck artifacts and the information they reveal. They work in small groups to reasearch wreckage features of different period ships, making this not only a science lesson, but a social...
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Living Art-i-facts: Technology Takes Us There!

For Teachers 3rd - 4th
Students create living artifacts dealing with different times and cultures. They explore Ancient Rome, the Middle Ages, Islam, Africa, and the United States.
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Ancient Americas

For Teachers 7th
Seventh graders compare artifacts used by archaeologists to theorize the first inhabitants of the Americas migrated from Asia across the Bering Land Bridge.
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Native American Cultures for Grades 4-5

For Teachers 3rd - 4th
Students investigate Native American culture by researching the Internet.  In this U.S. History lesson plan, students read online field reports about exploration and the history of Native Americans in the United States....
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The Anasazi

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Middle schoolers investigate and determine the origins of the ancient Anasazi who inhabited present-day Utah and the Four-Corners-Region.
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Site Robbers

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders interview a Native American and write a newspaper article or letter that expresses concern about robbing archaeological sites.
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The Buffalo Jump

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders investigate the disappearance of buffalo. They conduct research into the uses of buffalo by the Native Americans. There are resource links included in this activity. They answer specific questions to help guide the...
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The Four Corners Region of the United States Cultures, Ruins and Landmarks

For Teachers K - 8th
Students who live in the inner city are introduced to the four corners region of the United States. In groups, they examine how the region differs compared to where they live and their culture. They develop maps of the area and locate...
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Evolutions of Pottery

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students study the history and importance of clay and pottery. They observe a video dealing the kiln. Students explore ideas for improving construction of pottery. They demonstrate a variety of construction methods and identify the...
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The Uluburun Shipwreck Project: Interconnections through Trade in the Late Bronze Age Mediterranean World

For Teachers 9th
Ninth graders examine causes and effects of the Uluburun shipwreck. In groups, they develop their own ways to categorize the artifacts found on the ship and decide on the research questions they are going to focus on. They use the...
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China's Ethnic Minorities

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders are introduced to various Chinese ethnic groups. They consider how geography affects ethnic groups and examine artifacts produced by Chinese peoples. They prepare a presentation of their research and artifact interpretation.
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Ecoregions of Texas

For Teachers 7th
Seventh graders discuss why hunter-gatherers might have favored certain areas in which to live. In pairs, they research specific regions to examine in depth. Students present their eco-region vegetation findings (in this case Central...
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Stolen Property or Finders Keepers

For Teachers 7th - 10th
Learners explore the questionable acquisition of priceless artworks gained as spoils of World War II. They become investigators and reporters looking into the matter of ownership of the world's greatest art.
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Inventions over Time

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders examine inventions, such as spear points and bows and arrows, and discuss their importance in human cultural development. They compare these early inventions with modern ones and determine the impact of science and...
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Plants in Texas: Then and Now

For Teachers 7th
Seventh graders discuss continuity and change, identify various plant materials, and compare and contrast ways in which early people used plants in Texas in prehistoric times with ways that modern man in Texas uses plants today.