Youth Programs

Archaeology Workshops:

Arrowheads, Rocks & Dinosaurs
Students entering grades 4-6
What’s the difference between a geologist, archaeologist and paleontologist? You’ll find out by taking this introduction to the sciences. Check out real artifacts and fossils from Wisconsin and learn about past people, dinosaurs, rocks and the earth. Hands-on activities emphasized.
July 7
UW-La Crosse
$65

Introduction to Archaeology
Students entering grades 1-4
Discover the science of archaeology by participating in hands-on activities like those used by archaeologists out in the field. Explore MVAC’s Archaeology Laboratory, and discover how people lived in Wisconsin by checking out the artifacts that have been recovered in the area. A walking field trip through the marsh will identify which resources were used by early Native People. Bring a lunch with drink, snacks and water bottle.
July 6, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
311 Wimberly Hall, UW-La Crosse
$65, includes travel fee

Introduction to Archaeology
Students entering grades 5-9
Explore MVAC’s Archaeology Laboratory and work with artifacts recovered from area excavations as an introduction to the science of archaeology. Discover how the first Native Americans in Wisconsin survived using the natural resources found in our area. Students must take this class in order to attend the Middle School Field Experience class. Bring a lunch with drink, snacks and water bottle.
July 8, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
311 Wimberly Hall, UW-La Crosse
$65, includes travel fee

Middle School Field Experience
Students entering grades 5-9
Take your excitement for archaeology to the field! Students who have taken the Introduction to Archaeology class in the past can join a La Crosse area project. Participants will work alongside professional archaeologists in the field. Activities may include shovel testing and/or small-scale excavations (test units). The location of the field experience is yet to be determined. Weather may require alternate activities. Bring a lunch with drink and snacks, water bottle, insect repellent and sun screen. Wear comfortable walking shoes and clothes that can get dirty.
July 9-10, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
311 Wimberly Hall, UW-La Crosse
$150

Public Archaeology Field Schools
Youth & Adult
This multi-day event includes both field and lab experiences and is a well-rounded opportunity for those who want to learn about the process of archaeology. Explore what it is like to participate in an actual archaeological excavation, by working alongside professional archaeologists in the field. Participate in small-scale excavations (test units) and survey work. Lab work may include washing ceramics, stone tools, and other remains, and sorting them into basic categories. An experimental archaeology component of the event may explore making stone tools and pottery. Optional lab hours and local field trips will be available after regular field school hours. No previous experience is necessary. The location of this year’s field school is yet to be determined. This experience is open to high school students through adults. Supervised dorm facilities are available for high school students at an additional cost of $155 for 3 days and $255 for 5 days. Adults (over 18 years of age) may make their own reservations for dorms or camping in the area. Cancellation prior to July 2, 2008 will receive a full refund minus a $60 cancellation fee. No refunds for cancellations after July 2, 2008.

Three-day Field School:
July 6, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
July 7 & 8, 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
259 Cartwright Center, UW-La Crosse
$350, includes one year MVAC membership

One-week Field School:
July 6, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
July 7, 8, 9, and 10, 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
259 Cartwright Center, UW-La Crosse
$500, includes one year MVAC membership

For more Information:
Karen Langaard, 608.785.6508 or langaard.kare@uwlax.edu