Grades 3-5
Activity
Exploring Density
Why do some materials sink to the core of a planet while others float to the crust? This experiment uses marshmallow fluff and molasses to illustrate the concept of planet differentiation.
Discovering Vietnam's Biodiversity
Now that peace has firmly taken hold in Vietnam, scientific research is flourishing once again. Meet some of the country's diverse animal and plant life, including many rare and endangered species.
Classroom Activity
Make Your Own Sifting Screen
Archaeologists can’t just dig into a site like it’s a sandbox—they’d scramble the evidence and more than likely destroy precious artifacts. Try your hand at the careful sifting they employ.
Classroom Activity
Where Did You Find It?
Context is everything when it comes to identifying and understanding artifacts. Explore how archaeologists use surrounding objects to sort out how an artifact was originally used.
Classroom Activity
Shoebox Archaeology
How does one generation stack up to the next? Find out why it’s easier for archaeologists to answer this question when a family settles in one place.
Reference List
Booklist for Educators: Native Americans of the Southwest Coast
Get an insider's view, past and present, of the 19 Indian pueblos of New Mexico. Take a closer look at traditional arts and crafts styles. And find tips and directions for making your own jewelry.
Reference List
Booklist: Native American Myths
Compare contemporary myths with those from the 19th century. Read trickster tales from 55 tribal groups. And peruse illustrated Haida myths.
Reference List
Booklist for Kids: Native Americans of the Northwest Coast and Southwest
Want to learn more about what life is like for Native Americans in the Southwest or Pacific Northwest? Then check out this list of kid-friendly titles.
Reference List
Petra Book List
Want to learn more about archaeology but don't know where to start? Dig in with this list of books, with titles for both kids and adults.
Reference List
Petra Web List
Explore Petra and learn more about archaeology with this Web list for kids and adults.
