Orchard Spotlight: The Dig - Orchard 7th Grade

"From October 24th through the 27th, seventh graders took part in a transdisciplinary unit to study archaeology and culture called The Dig. This annual tradition is a week-long, all-day intensive project wherein groups of students are responsible for designing a culture and interpreting another. They begin by planning a culture, right down to the last detail...a writing and number system, marriage traditions, recreation activities, and esthetic values. They then create artifacts and a mural that represent those cultural details. Next, the students bury those artifacts in the ground in pits by the cabin. Student groups switch dig sites and work together to uncover the artifacts from another culture, and then they spend time interpreting the artifacts and reconstructing the culture. The unit culminates with a conference where the different groups of student archaeologists present their findings.

The Dig project incorporates a number of disciplines leading up to the project and during the project itself. In Social Studies, the 7th graders learned about the universal aspects of culture. During The Dig, students used these universals to plan their cultures and interpret the one they discover. In Science, they practiced archaeological field skills and excavation techniques and compared the archaeological process to the scientific process. Students used their understanding of number systems (both current and ancient) to create one for their fictitious culture. Students’ understanding of the nature and principles of art allow them to articulate what the culture sees as beautiful. Since the students are presenting their findings and evidence at a conference, students practice their skills in constructing an argument and reasoning using evidence.     

The Dig is a long-standing Orchard tradition because it fits into the very core of what an Orchard education is all about; students are involved in active, authentic learning where multiple perspectives are valued and varied strengths lead to success."

Brendan Chandler '02 | 7th Grade Science Teacher 
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