Pottery Re-Fit

The Pottery Re-Fit activity is designed to help kids learn about techniques used by archaeologists in the lab. Kids will decorate small ceramic pots (one per person) using markers, then “accidentally” drop them…Oops! Using glue, a brush, and puzzle power they reassemble their pots to take home. Designed for kids ages 6-18 years old Time estimate: 45 mins

Experimental Archaeology

The Experimental Archaeology program includes two hands-on activities - Making Cordage and Making a Pump Drill. First, participants will learn how to make simple cordage using raffia. Then, each participant will make their own pump drill using craft supplies. Participants can then test their pump drills by making beads with Smarties® Candy. All crafts can be taken home at the end of the program. Designed for kids ages 8-18 years old Time estimate: 30-45 mins

Mini-Excavation Blocks

Kids who participate in the Mini-Excavation Block activity will excavate their own tabletop archaeology unit. They will pick away at the dirt until they find artifacts buried in the unit (a pre-made block composed of sand, plaster, and mock artifacts). During this activity participants will learn about the steps archaeologists take in the field during a real excavation, and how archaeologists analyze what they discover in the lab once they return from the field. Designed for kids ages 6-18 years old Time estimate: 30 mins

Make Your Own Cave Art

Cave and rock art has been created by people around the world for thousands of years. We even have rock art in South Carolina! Archaeologists are intrigued by the meaning of rock art. Is it a form of cultural expression? A record of historic events? The Create Your Own Cave Art activity focuses on a type of rock art called pictographs. Pictographs are designs drawn on rock surfaces. Participants can make their own pictographs using cardboard squares, paper, canvas, oil pastels, markers and crayons to take home. Designed for kids ages 6-18 years old Time estimate: 30 mins

Fingerweaving

Finger Weaving is a hands-on activity that teaches participants how to weave without the assistance of a loom. Participants will be able to try their hands at finger weaving by making a woven keychain out of yarn that they can take home. Designed for kids ages 8-18 years old Time estimate: 30-45 mins