Bring History to Life with Hands-On Learning
Historic Germanna’s FREE Archaeology in the Classroom program provides an engaging, hands-on history and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) experience for students in grades 3–6, while also offering adaptable resources for middle and high school students. Using 3D-printed artifacts from ongoing archaeological excavations at Historic Germanna, the program connects students to the rich history of the Piedmont through the stories of the people, places, and events that shaped the region during the early 18th century.
Both the Germanna Education Boxes and in-class visits feature lessons aligned with Virginia’s Standards of Learning (SOL) and provide a unique opportunity to explore the past while building critical thinking skills. These lessons are designed to support educators by offering innovative resources highlighting Virginia’s diverse history, including contributions from Indigenous groups, African communities, and European settlers.
Program Features
Archaeology Education Kits: These self-contained kits include detailed lesson plans and 3D-printed replicas of artifacts from Germanna’s archaeological sites. Topics include soil analysis, interpreting primary sources, brickmaking, Indigenous pottery, and how to read an archaeological site. Teachers are encouraged to check these out, evaluate, and use them in the classrooms.
In-Class Visits: Germanna’s archaeologists and educators bring hands-on activities directly to classrooms, offering students the chance to catalog artifacts, analyze soil samples, and explore the lives of early Virginians.
Why Choose Archaeology in the Classroom?
Virginia’s history is deeply rooted in its landscapes and communities. This program provides students with the tools to explore the stories hidden beneath their feet, connecting them to the cultural and environmental heritage of the region.
Teachers have found this FREE program particularly valuable for helping students make real-world connections to classroom lessons on Virginia history. For schools that may face challenges accessing larger historical sites, Germanna’s program offers a locally focused alternative to enrich students’ understanding of the past.
Connect with Us
To bring Archaeology in the Classroom to your school or learn more, contact:
Kelly Arford-Horne, Archaeology Site Director
[email protected]
Dr. Eric Larsen, Director of Archaeology and Cultural Resources
[email protected]
540-423-1700