Wessex Archaeology: Coleshill Archaeology Inspiration Day

Overview:  

This inspiration day is made up of three activities: Introduction to Archaeology through Equipment, Timeline Challenge: History of Coleshill and Medieval Seal Designing.  

•  Introduction to Archaeology through Equipment 

Learn about archaeology and what an archaeologist does through their kit bag. Work together to figure out the purpose of different equipment and how it helps an archaeologist with their role. 

• Timeline Challenge: History of Coleshill 

Learn about the history of Coleshill. Work in teams and as a group to create a timeline based on archaeological discoveries. 

•  Medieval Seal Designing 

Discover Medieval seals, what they were used for and their imagery. Then, design and decorate your own seal. This activity was inspired by the discovery of a seal matrix in Coleshill. 

Learning Objectives: 

• Explain what archaeology means and what an archaeologist does. 
• Interpret how various archaeological equipment is used. 
• Compare the equipment an archaeologist uses while digging, recording findings, after digging or protecting themselves.  
• Interpret key archaeological discoveries from Coleshill. 
• Organise information into a timeline.  
• Compare differences between time periods including Iron Age, Roman and Medieval. 
• Explain the difference between a seal and a seal matrix and describe how they were used. 
• Match animals or objects to the quality that they symbolise. 
• Design a seal using objects, animals and text. 

Students will use the Essential Skill of Listening, Speaking, Problem Solving, Creativity and Teamwork. 

Delivery notes: 

These activities will take about 2 hours 30 minutes to complete. 

Students will need printed images of Coleshill archaeology, examples of archaeological tools and equipment, and paper, drawing materials, stencils, scissors, craft items and glue.