St Mary’s Field Museum: The Science of Archaeology 

Overview: 

Before we build bridges, tunnels, tracks and stations, the largest archaeology programme ever undertaken in the UK is taking place along the line of route. This lesson plan is part of a collection of resources created by Fusion JV, an HS2 supplier who has been carrying out our archaeological work in Buckinghamshire. 

Students can discover the archaeology and history of Stoke Mandeville in Buckinghamshire through resource packs which include print-out worksheets and exercises to encourage engagement with historic materials in the subjects of art, design technology, geography, English, science and history. These downloadable interactive `Dig-ital’ packs offer creative 40 minute workshops that encourage critical thinking and the application of scientific thought to the analysis of historic materials.  

The ’Science of Archaeology’ lesson looks at how modern scientific methods in the investigation of historic and ancient remains of past human settlement. Presented with information about a range of relevant scientific methods, students set out a plan for the investigation of an archaeological site, thinking carefully about which methods would be appropriate at each stage of the process.  

Learning Objectives: 

• To address how materials are archaeologically investigated 
• To ask questions about the archaeological process 
• To evaluate archaeological materials 
• Understand the application of scientific study to archaeological materials 

Delivery notes:  

This lesson will take about 40 minutes to complete. 

Students will need print outs.