On the Trail of Archaeologists – A Hands-On Classroom Project

How do we learn about people who lived long before our time? This was the question explored by our Grade 5 and 6 students. In a film, they discovered the fascinating work of archaeologists: traces such as tools, jewelry, weapons, or bones tell us stories of past times. Often, these finds lie hidden like in a “layer cake” – stacked from different eras, buried beneath soil, houses, or even modern streets.

But theory alone was not enough: in the next step, the students became researchers themselves. With patience and care, they excavated “treasures” such as old plates, books, keys, and small sculptures, carefully uncovering and marveling at each find.

A special highlight was the enthusiastic audience: our Kindergarten children watched with excitement as the older students revealed the hidden objects. Learning became a shared adventure that brought the whole school community together.

The project now continues from the work of archaeologists to that of historians: What role do written sources play, and how are they different from visual, audio, and material sources? The students are already looking forward to the next stage – their exciting journey into the past goes on!