Resource Boxes provide instructors with multi-media resource materials related to the science of archaeology, the pre-European history of the area, and Native American cultures. Boxes are designed to allow flexibility and to generate enthusiasm in the classroom. Boxes vary in content.

Special thanks to the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse, College of Liberal Studies for grant funds to purchase new resources and hands-on materials for many of MVAC's boxes.

Archaeology Resource Boxes

Native American Resources Boxes

Other Topics Resource Boxes

Archaeology Resource Boxes

Archaeology - Primary

This box provides an easy introduction to the science of archaeology, local and around the world, with the wide variety of materials included.

Back to Top

Archaeology - Middle

This box provides an easy introduction to the science of archaeology, local and around the world, with the wide variety of materials included.

Back to Top

Archaeology - Secondary

This box provides an easy introduction to the science of archaeology, local and around the world, with the wide variety of materials included.

Back to Top

Rock Art

This assortment provides background information on this early art form which includes carving and painting on rock surfaces. Emphasis is placed on examples from the Upper Mississippi River area.

Back to Top

Moundbuilders

Easily enriched with discussions or tours of local sites, this collection provides information on the early moundbuilding cultures. A classroom set of The Earthshapers allow students to explore life during moundbuilder times through the eyes of a young girl named Yellow Moon.

Back to Top

Ancient Cultures of Southwestern United States

Students will be intrigued by these cultures and how they lived in their unique environment. A great way to stimulate explorations of different housing and environmental adaptations of other cultures.

Back to Top

Egypt

Students become engaged in creating messages to their friends using ancient hieroglyphic symbols. Be sure to appropriate lots of time to share the exciting materials in this box which bring the ancient Egyptian-past to life.

Back to Top

Maya-Inca-Aztec

Explore the unique cultural differences of these advanced civilizations. Spectacular buildings, complex mathematics, and warrior rituals were all a part of the lives of these Meso- and South American people.

Back to Top

Spear and Arrowhead Identification

Realistic replica arrowheads allow students to use the same processes as archaeologists use to identify arrowheads and draw conclusions.

Back to Top

Mapping

Students enjoy mapping and recording the excavation of a simulated test unit and gain understanding of the accuracy and precision needed in the archaeological process.

Back to Top

Ceramic Reconstruction

Using the same laboratory procedures as archaeologists, students are challenged by reconstructing historic ceramic materials. Students are exposed to patience, persistence, planning and precision.

Back to Top

Dig Boxes

With these materials, you can easily provide a simulation of an archaeological excavation right in your classroom. Kit does not include dirt or artifacts.

Back to Top

Archaeology Diorama

When students cannot visit an excavation site, bring a miniature to the classroom! This diorama depicts an excavation, mapping activities, field equipment, and some of the techniques that archaeologists use.

Back to Top

 

Native American Resource Boxes

Native Americans - Primary

This box focus on the diversity and rich cultural heritage of Native Americans in the United States. It is designed to stimulate a new awareness and respect for regional cultural differences.

Back to Top

 

Native Americans - Middle

This box focus on the diversity and rich cultural heritage of Native Americans in the United States. It is designed to stimulate a new awareness and respect for regional cultural differences.

Back to Top

Wisconsin Native Americans

Materials focus on the Native Americans of Wisconsin, past and present. Through a variety of multi-media materials students can see, read, participate, and experience the original people of our region.

Back to Top

Native American Folklore

The folklore of Native Americans will come alive with this treasury of resources. Students may also wish to explore written and oral presentations of their own family origins, customs and traditions. In addition to other resources, this box includes classroom sets of Iktomi and the Boulder and Earthmaker's Tales.

Back to Top

Native American Art and Music

Don’t let the title of Art and Music limit the fun learning experiences that can be enjoyed across the curriculum with this collection. Provides hours of creative fun for all ages and serves as a springboard for discussion and further investigations in the fascinating heritage of Native Americans. This box includes a classroom set of Dancing Feathers.  (Funds from the Josephine Bay Paul and C. Michael Paul Foundation were used to purchase a variety of authentic Native American materials for this collection.)

Back to Top

Corn Grinding

Students love to sing along to traditional corn grinding songs as they use the mano and metate, provided with this assortment, to grind their own corn. Enjoyment of a tasty corn treat, made from time-honored recipes, captivates students as they explore the development of corn as a domestic crop by Native Americans. A favorite for teachers and students alike, this assortment appeals to a variety of the senses. Multiple copies of "Corn is Maize" are included in this box.

Back to Top

Other Topics Resource Boxes

Early Humans

Early hunters armed with stone weapons, hunting wooly mammoths, virtually come alive for primary students as they explore the lifestyle of the earth’s first people. Classroom sets of Wild and Woolly Mammoths and Mammoth Hunt are included in this box.

Back to Top

 

Archaeology - Geology - Paleontology

Helping to unravel the myth that archaeologists dig up dinosaurs, this collection focuses on the differences between archaeology, geology and paleontology.

Back to Top

Fur Trade

Students become explorers themselves as they touch the animal hides included in this assortment, and consider the importance of the fur trade in shaping the early history of Wisconsin people.

Back to Top

[ Home ] [ Up ] [ Past Cultures ] [ Events & Displays ] [ Educators ] [ About / Support ] [ News / Book Review ] [ Contract Services ] [ Contact MVAC ] [ Site Map ]

Mississippi Valley Archaeology Center at the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse
1725 State Street, La Crosse, Wisconsin 54601 U.S.A.
Phone:  608-785-8463, Webmaster

All material Copyright © 2000-2008 Mississippi Valley Archaeology Center at the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse

*MVAC Educational Programs are supported in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities.  Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in these programs do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
*This project was supported, in part, by the National Science Foundation.  Opinions expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the Foundation.