Lesson

Archaeo-Tech: The Barrier Island

Lesson Overview

Students build model beaches and use waves to simulate coastal erosion, observing how it disturbs and destroys archaeological sites. They then explore engineering solutions to reduce erosion and discuss its impact on cultural heritage.

Duration
1-2 hours
Lesson Type
Traditional Lesson

Essential Question

How can coastal erosion, a natural process exacerbated by human activity, threaten archaeological sites and the cultural heritage they contain?

Grade(s):

Subject(s):

Other Instructional Materials or Notes:

3, 5, 6, 8

Materials
• Heritage at Risk Activity Handout (one per student)
• Lab Equipment:
o Paint-Roller Trays, Clear Plastic Tubs can also work (one for each group)
o Dry measuring cup (to measure sand)
o Liquid measuring cup (to measure water)
o Sand (approximately five cups of sand for every group)
o Water (approximately six cups of water for every group)
o Stopwatch / Timer (one for each group)
o Paint Sir Stick for creating waves (one for each group)
o Ruler (one for each group)
o Small Rocks, about 1 -2 cm in diameter (two to four for each group)
o Wooden dowel rod, approximately 1 cm in diameter and 10 cm in length (one for each group)
o LEGO ® pieces, small blocks, or other props to mimic an archaeological site.
o Model trees, bushes, etc. can be used to delineate between the beach and maritime forest (optional)
o Goggles and aprons (optional)

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Standards

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Lesson Created By: MegGaillard

Lesson Partners: South Carolina Department of Natural Resources