Virtual Archaeology for Kids Activity Descriptions
*Please note that all activity supplies, except for bandanas used in the Sew a Sampler activity, should be provided by the host school or library. An SCDNR Archaeology team member will contact you after you submit your program survey to provide a detailed list of activity supplies needed for the program you have chosen. Please email ArchaeologyOutreach@dnr.sc.gov with questions or concerns.
Pottery Re-Fit
This activity is designed to help participants learn about techniques used by archaeologists in the lab. Participants will decorate small pots using markers. Then, "accidentally" drop the pots to break. Using glue, a brush and puzzle power participants reassemble their pots like an archaeologist does in the lab.
Make Your Own Pottery
This activity is designed to introduce participants to the skills experimental archaeologists use to make pottery. Participants will use clay to make a coil pot, then smooth the coils together before using designed paddles and other tools to decorate their pots.
Make Your Own Paddle Design
This activity pairs with the Make Your Own Pottery activity. Participants will use wooden squares, popsicle sticks, hot glue, and cordage to make their own paddles for imprinting the pottery they make. This activity takes approximately 10 - 15 minutes. The use of hot glue is not recommended for younger participants. Paddles can be prepared by a teacher or librarian ahead of a Make Your Own Pottery activity.
Make Your Own Gorget
This activity allows participants to express themselves through visual symbolism by making a clay gorget that says something about them. Participants will learn about the Mississippian period tradition of shell gorgets that would be carved with personal or religious symbols demonstrating significance to the wearer.
Make Your Own Quill
This activity involves trimming a feather with a blade (x-acto knife), and is not recommended for younger participants. Quills can be prepared by a teacher or librarian ahead of a Quill Writing activity.
Make Your Own Berry Ink
Participants will learn how to mix berry juice, salt, and vinegar to make an ink they can write with using a quill.
Make Your Own Wax Seal
Participants will use air dry clay to create their own unique wax seal. Please note that wax seals made from air dry clay will need about one day to dry prior to use.
Quill Writing
Using a quill and berry ink, participants will write a letter to a friend or family member. Then, they will discover fun ways to fold and seal their letter using wax and their personal seal.
Finger Weaving
This activity steps participants through a weaving process that does not require the assistance of a loom. This style of weaving has been used historically to make belts, sashes, straps and specialized patterns. Students will be able to try their hand at finger weaving by making a woven keychain out of yarn.
Sew a Sampler
This activity is based on historic embroidery samplers children would learn to make growing up. Participants will learn 8 stitches along with 3 embroidery stitches on a bandana with a preprinted pattern. Bandanas are provided for free by the SCDNR Archaeology team, and will be shipped as a group/class set to the host librarian/teacher. This activity is recommended for students aged 10 and up as there will be needles and a higher skill of dexterity required.
