Archaeological Simulations

By creating Mock Digs, we give students a chance to examine archaeological material set out in a mock burial. This is supported with background scientific and historical information to allow students to interpret what happened in this scenario. Students then recreate the narrative using the evidence at hand. This exercise is designed to give students time to work individually or in small groups to examine the burial, gather information and discuss the material presented to them. They then create a report to hand in to the teacher at a later date. Often teachers encourage the students to present their reports in creative ways: a scientific or archaeological report, a pod cast, a radio interview, a newspaper report, a piece of creative writing (e.g. a factual, creative or poetical piece in its form), and so on. Some teachers use the student response to evaluate the skills and creativity shown by their classes; some have built this response into an assessable task post-incursion.

Hands-On examination of genuine artefacts

At Timelines Past we want students to handle and examine real objects from the past (occasionally some may be replicas) and gain a tactile dimension to their understanding of the ancient past.

By using Object-Based Learning (OBL) approaches, students develop their observational and critical thinking skills as they analyse the form (features and decorations) of the objects and, using the evidence in front of them, work out its function. Many of the artefacts they are holding are 1000s of years old.

This approach is designed to engage students by putting them directly ‘in touch’ with the ancient past.

Ancient History

By using PowerPoint presentations, simulation games or direct participation (e.g. dressing up a student/s to demonstrate Greek or Roman weapons and warfare) we present students with current information on their historical period or of themes within that time period.

In this way, after consulting with classroom teachers, we can plan the incursion programs for junior History classes as well as for Years 11 & 12.