Indiana Jones himself would have been impressed with Archaeology Day, held for the first time at Trent University Oshawa on Saturday, March 23. He may also have learned a thing or two about how the academic pursuit of archaeology is really done, with scientific expertise, laborious work, and endless curiosity.

Although not as terrifying as the impending doom of giant rolling rocks, the thrilling quest for discovery is just as exciting. Just ask the grade seven and eight students from St. Theresa’s Catholic School in Whitby, who came to Trent for the afternoon to get the real dirt on archaeology.

By rotating through six different stations, the elementary students learned about the variety of practices and skills used in archaeology through hands-on demonstrations from experienced Trent University students and faculty. Students were able to study and touch real archaeological finds including ancient ceramics and tools created from rock centuries ago. Their brains were put to the test as they learned about carbon dating, surveying techniques, mapping, excavation and research. 

Students found themselves experimenting with actual tools of the trade. They were immersed in the archaeological experience as they worked with surveying equipment and measuring tapes. They also examined actual field journals and fascinating artefacts.  Students were often reminded that the equipment they were using belongs to real life archaeologists.

Instead of reading a text book in the classroom they were living the stories told by those who have experienced actual digs themselves. They learned that archaeology is not just about digging up objects but is also about learning what the objects meant to the people who created them. These objects unveil new worlds about how people live in different cultures and different times.

Dr. Helen Haines is an assistant professor in the Department of Anthropology at Trent University and she is also an accomplished archaeologist. Along with Trent anthropology, sociology and psychology students, Professor Haines spearheaded Archaeology Day to share the importance of archaeology with younger children through memorable interactive experiences. 

Prof. Haines said, “Archaeology is about discovering the history of humanity. We have an obligation to teach students about what we find so as to make history and culture accessible to everyone. Today is about teaching kids how archaeology is done and why. That archaeology takes teams of people with different skills, backgrounds and education levels. The students here today can learn that they can be part of a diverse team in archaeology.”

Patrice Joly is a teacher at St. Theresa’s Catholic School and feels archaeology is a great way to teach history to kids. She and Prof. Haines worked together to make Archaeology Day a reality for her students. Ms. Joly feels that extra-curricular activities such as this are valuable learning tools. She said, “It’s an opportunity for the students to experience the joy of archaeology. The students here today will go back to the school and teach the younger students what they have learned.”  

Trent University Oshawa is a close-knit community with world-class archaeology credentials.

The small campus allows for students to receive one on one attention. Prof. Haines said, “I can invest time in my students, include them in my research and work with them on events like this one today. They are doing a fabulous job. They love and know what they’re doing.  These are all undergraduate students and what they are doing today speaks highly of our student population.” 

Sociology and anthropology student, Ken Johnstone taught the elementary students about the tools used in excavation. Students had the opportunity to look at an actual field journal and examine many tools used in real digs. He feels the enthusiasm Trent students have for the subject matter made Archaeology Day an excellent learning experience and may encourage some younger students to pursue a career in archaeology or in another field of interest. 

He said, “I love what I’m studying and it’s natural to want to share. If you can find a passion it can help you find your own ambition. We’re trying to guide young minds to reach their full potential.”

Anthropology student, Amanda Sinclair hopes Archaeology Day piques the students’ interests in past cultures and reveals how artefacts they may see in the museum actually got there. She feels the students are learning the process involved in archaeology.

Kelly Patano is a member of Trent’s Pen Pal program and was on hand with several other Trent representatives to welcome students and assist throughout the day. She says, “Trent has always been community oriented. We want to reach out to students to show them what it’s like to be on campus. This event will continue our history of community outreach.”

The reaction of the grade seven and eight students has been positive to Trent’s inaugural Archaeology Day. One grade-eight student said, “We learned a lot about archaeology, what tools to use, this that and the other thing …” 

One grade seven student said, “I thought it was really interesting and fun. There were multiple places to learn new stuff.”

Posted on Monday, March 25, 2013.