Experimental Archaeology: Learning about Craft and Technology in the Past
Boxes of replica and real artefacts spanning 10,000 years of Highland heritage were compiled as part of ARCH’s Experimental Archaeology: Learning about Craft and Technology in the Past project. A teacher (Dave Peers) and two archaeologists (Lachlan and Lynne McKeggie) worked on learning materials to accompany the boxes, with editing by Susan Kruse of ARCH. These can all be downloaded from the ARCH website, but in addition top copies are available in the boxes for photocopying. Laminated copies of information sheets are also included in the boxes.
The resources consist of:
Information Sheets (written by Lachlan & Lynne McKeggie):
- Object sheets. An A4 sheet about each object, with a picture of the object on the back.
- Crafting Technology Sheets (identified with the prefix CT). These A4 sheets describe the process of each of the crafts.
- When? Sheets. An A4 sheet with information about each period.
- Additional Image sheets. A4 sheets which augment the above.
- Distribution maps. An A4 sheet describing the uses and pitfalls of the distribution maps.
Teaching Resources (written by Dave Peers):
- Crafting Lesson plans. Five levels of lessons relating to various crafts, including also a focus on artefacts relating to survival and technology.
- Individual object plans. Each box contains a suite of lesson plans for primary or secondary level with further ideas for lessons relating to individual objects.
- A self-guided lesson aimed mainly at adults.
- Lesson Resources. A4 sheets for copying for use in the above.
In addition, there is also a lesson plan template so anyone can add any good ideas. These will then be added to the website/boxes. The lessons are designed for all ages, from nursery to adults, so please specify which levels/age groups you think they would work best for.
Click here for a links to all the resources.
We hope you enjoy using the objects and associated resources! Please:
- Take care handling the objects. Some (particularly in Box 1) are extremely sharp and many are fragile. Borrowers must ensure all reasonable health and safety measures are used.
- Ensure that all objects and top copies are returned with the boxes, in the correct place.
- Notify firstname.lastname@example.org of any problems.
Copyrights and Using the Materials
All information sheets are ©Lachlan and Lynne McKeggie, and teaching resources © ARCH. Materials can be copied for teaching situations, but may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic or mechanical for publication unless written permission is obtained.
The Experimental Archaeology Project: Learning about Craft and Technology in the Past was generously funded by Historic Environment Scotland and the Heritage Lottery Fund (now National Lottery Heritage Fund).