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BLM-Utah's "Intrigue of the Past" Program: Teachers Investigating Archaeology

Teachers learn that protection of archaeological sites is the "bottom line." Here, they study the damaging handiwork of would-be rock-art thieves.

How can teachers integrate science with social studies, and teach land and resource ethics at the same time? BLM-Utah's "Intrigue of the Past Archaeology Education Program" helps them do just that, and much more.

"Intrigue of the Past" inservice workshops, taught by teams of educators and archaeologists, guide participants through the fundamental concepts of archaeology and Utah's prehistoric Native American heritage. Using Intrigue of the Past: Investigating Archaeology, a teacher's activity guide, educators explore the fascinating field of archaeology and the complex ethical issues involved in scientific research and site preservation.

The hands-on activities that engage teachers during an "Intrigue of the Past" workshop will also serve as exciting tools for teaching basic concepts in their classrooms.

 

Teachers report that archaeology captivates their students, and that studying it helps to hook children's interest in related concepts. Teachers can use Intrigue of the Past to teach the basics of scientific inquiry, cultural diversity, higher-level thinking skills, problem solving, and respect and responsibility for Utah's archaeological resources.

 Students analyze modern garbage in order to understand how archaeologists study and interpret artifacts and sites.

 

The "Intrigue of the Past" program also offers opportunities for educators to continue learning about archaeology after they have completed their program workshops. A newsletter keeps "Intrigue" teachers abreast of new archaeological discoveries, supplies new lessons, and provides a forum for networking. Advanced workshops and field projects give educators a chance to expand their knowledge and put it to work helping professional archaeologist to gather data and protect actual cultural resource sites.

BLM-Utah's "Intrigue of the Past" has been adapted for nationwide use by BLM's National Heritage Education Program under the program title, "Project Archaeology." In recent years, Alaska, Oregon, Arizona, New Mexico and several other states have launched state-specific "Project Archaeology" programs, with frameworks that are similar to BLM-Utah's "Intrigue."

"Intrigue of the Past" offers participants many professional development opportunities. This teacher spent several days in the field documenting Native-American rock-art sites.

 

 

For information on "Intrigue of the Past" workshops, please contact Jeanne Moe by e-mail at jmoe@ut.blm.gov, or by telephone at 1-800-722-3988/(801) 539 4060. For information on "Project Archaeology," please contact Cindy Ramsay by e-mail at cramsay@co.blm.gov, or by telephone at (970) 882-4811.

Last Updated: July 15, 2003

For questions about our programs contact Bibi Booth
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