The Tell: What is It?
"Looking into the Past"

Summary:
This activity gives the opportunity to create and excavate and archaeological find.

Time:
Two - three 50 minute class periods

TEKS:
The student will be able to:

Science

(6.1,a) demonstrate safe practices during field and laboratory investigations

(6.2, b) collect data by observing and measuring

(6.2,c) analyze and interpret information to construct reasonable explanations from direct and indirect evidence.

(6.2,d) communicate valid conclusions

Social Studies

(6.15,c) analyze the similarities and differences among selected world societies

(6.21,b) analyze information by sequencing, categorizing, identifying cause-and effect relationships, comparing, contrasting, finding the main idea, summarizing, making generalizations and predictions, and drawing inferences and conclusions

(6.23,a) use a problem-solving process to identify a problem, gather information, list and consider options, consider advantages and disadvantages, choose and implement a solution, and evaluate the effectiveness of the solution.

Materials:

• Shoebox cut in half
• metal buttons
• Plastic wrap
• Marbles
• Dirt - different types
• scarps of wall paper samples
• Bones
• Various other items that may have been used
• Pottery pieces
• Twigs
• Small pieces of cloth
• Small rocks

Procedure:

1. Cut shoebox in half. Cover the cut end with plastic wrap to create a window. Tape to box to secure plastic wrap.
2. In bottom of box items that would have been used by people listed in the time period below.
3. Cover items with a layer of dirt.
4. Place items in box that would be used by people listed in second time period.
5. Cover with a layer of different dirt.
6. Place items in box that would be used by people listed in third time period.
7. Cover with dirt used in step 3
8. Place items in box that would be used by people listed in fourth time period.
9. Cover with dirt used in step 5
10. Evaluate your tell

Good Fair Poor

• Observe layers through window
• Observe some artifacts
• Unable to observe some artifacts
• Ability to follow procedures

Exchange tells and excavate

Carefully remove top layer. Record items found and location

Repeat step 12 for next three consecutive layers.

Time Periods:
1400-1600 A Region was inhabited by nomadic tribes. People hunted and gathered food. They lived in stick huts and used animal skins. These Indians had strong religious beliefs.

1600-1700 AD Europeans came to area. Homes were made of wood with thatched roofs. Used cloth, leather, and wool. They hunted and farmed.

1700-1800 AD Brick homes were introduced. Refinement in cloth was seen. Inventions made life easier. Farming major occupation. Major wars were fought during time period.

1800-1850 ADLarger homes. Distinguish between wealthy and poor. Definite clothing changes. Industrial jobs became more common. New inventions changed living patterns.

Questions:
What items did you place in the first time period? The second? The third? The fourth?

Explain how the artifacts changed over time.

Evaluate the tell you excavated using the follow criteria:

Good Fair Poor

• Able to observe layers
• Able to distinguish between layers
• Artifacts consistent with time period
• Distribution of artifacts throughout tell

What conclusions can you draw about the people who lived in this area over time?

Evaluation:
Written answers to above questions and rubric.

Background Information for more information on Tells

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Revised: December 22, 1999