Midden/ Archeological Dig

Can you imagine what life was like in San Diego hundreds of years ago? Come see a real archaeological wonder found right here on the Sweetwater Marsh Refuge. Back in the science lab, students will become archaeologists and explore an ancient midden (trash pile) left behind by the Kumeyaay Indians. Students will even meet some animals that the Kumeyaay would have eaten!

PROGRAM LENGTH:

4 hours, 9:30am-1:30pm (2 Coastal Education Programs back to back- see sample schedule below)

PLEASE PREPARE YOUR STUDENTS

We have chosen one activity for you to do with your students before you come, titled Modern Archeology with the attached Powerpoint, so they will have the optimal experience when they are here. Please use it to prepare your students. Please teach the second lesson, titled Stories from the Midden, within a week of completing your Coastal Education Program to expand on the material learned during the Midden/Archaeological Dig Program. There are many more resources for you and your students listed below as well!

PLAN OF THE DAY: (If only one class, just see 9:30am-11:30am Group A)

Your students will be able to participate in the Archaeological Dig Lesson, a Docent-led Tour around the Living Coast to see birds, turtles and touch stingrays, complete a scavenger hunt and go for a hike or listen to a Read Aloud. Half of the day you will be with a Teacher or Docent and the other half of the day you will be leading your class through provided activities.

EXAMPLE SCHEDULE - Detailed Schedule link (Actual schedule may vary)

Standards:

CA State Standards: Social Science

3.2 Students describe the American Indian nations in their local region long ago and in the recent past.

1. Describe national identities, religious beliefs, customs, and various folklore traditions.

2. Discuss the ways in which physical geography, including climate, influenced how the local Indian nations adapted to their natural environment (e.g., how they obtained food, clothing, tools).

3. Describe the economy and systems of government, particularly those with tribal constitutions, and their relationship to federal and state governments.

4. Discuss the interaction of new settlers with the already established Indians of the region.

Common Core

ELA-Literacy.

  • SL.3.1b,c,d. Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 3 topics and texts, building on other's ideas and expressing their own clearly

  • SL.3.3. Ask and answer questions about information from a speaker, offering appropriate elaboration and detail.

  • SL.3.6. Speak in complete sentences when appropriate to task and situation in order to provide requested detail or clarification

  • L.3.6. Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate conversational, general academic, and domain-specific words and phrases, including those that signal spatial and temporal relationships.