Digging Into History

Students in the Spring Grove Area High School Anthropology and Archaeology class have traded textbooks for trowels and shovels in an archaeological dig that brings ancient history to life. Under the guidance of Mr. Jason Baker, students have become archaeologists during the course, uncovering artifacts, interpreting cultural clues, and experiencing the thrill of discovery.

As part of this immersive, interdisciplinary project, students excavated artifacts representing four major ancient civilizations: the Greeks, the Egyptians, the Mesopotamians, and the Aztecs, that were buried by a class two years ago. They unearthed and analyzed items that reflected the daily lives, language, and cultural practices of these civilizations.

But the learning didn’t stop at the dig site. In collaboration with the Art Department, students also created original artifacts inspired by four additional cultures: Roman, Viking, Chinese, and Inuit. Each handcrafted piece was researched, inscribed, and fired in the school’s kiln to simulate genuine ancient relics.

In the final phase of the project, students will bury their newly created artifacts, leaving them behind for future anthropology students to rediscover. This thoughtful tradition allows the cycle of exploration and cultural learning to continue year after year.

“This project gives students a deeper understanding of how history is studied and preserved,” said Mr. Baker. “They’re learning to think like historians, scientists, artists, and global citizens all at once.”

This innovative learning experience combines academic rigor with creativity, critical thinking, and real-world application.