Leaving Traces

WINTER, 2007-2008

In the Leaving Traces expedition, fourth grade archaeologists critically examine scientific theories of early people.  Specific archaeological finds – both historical and current – shed light on the question, “How do we know what we know about early people?”  Case studies of fascinating fossils help fourth graders understand how scientists develop theories, and how certain discoveries can cause those within the scientific community to re-think their own ideas.  Students explore significant discoveries with a cast of characters that includes Lucy (Australopithecus afarensis), the Java Man (Homo erectus), the Hobbit (Homo floresiensis), and the Kennewick Man (Homo sapiens).  The young anthropologists also analyze modern-day controversies around early peolple of the Americas along with traces of modern culture.  The fourth grade journalists share “all their learning that’s fit to print” with guests at Exhibition Night in March.