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Archaeology workshops

A page within Extended Learning

Future Program Offerings

Similar activities are anticipated to resume in safer times. Please check Mississippi Valley Archaeology Center's website for more information.

YOUTH EVENTS

Experimental Archaeology

Students entering grades 4–6

Learn how stone tools were made and how Native Americans used them. Take a nature hike through the marsh to explore food, shelter, and tools Wisconsin’s first people could have used. Try playing the chunky game and making pottery. Substitutions welcome. Full refund less $40 cancellation fee prior to event if cancellation request is received by June 29, 2020. No refunds for cancellations after June 29, 2020. Cancellations must be submitted in writing to: ex@uwlax.edu.

  • Date: Mon., July 13, 2020 CANCELLED
  • Time: 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
  • Location: 312 Wimberly Hall, UWL
  • Age: Students entering grades 4-6
  • Fee: $80
  • Note: Bring a lunch, drink, snacks, water bottle

Introduction to Archaeology

Students entering grades 5–9

Explore MVAC’s Archaeology Lab 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 area’s natural resources. Students must take this class in order to attend the Middle School Field Experience. This program takes place in the classroom.  It does not include excavation activities. Substitutions welcome. Full refund less $40 cancellation fee prior to event if cancellation request is received by June 29, 2020. No refunds for cancellations after June 29, 2020. Cancellations must be submitted in writing to: ex@uwlax.edu.

  • Date: Tuesday, July 14, 2020 CANCELLED
  • Time: 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
  • Location: 312 Wimberly Hall, UWL 
  • Fee: $80
  • Note: Bring a lunch, drink, snacks, water bottle

Middle School Field Experience

Students entering grades 5–9

Take your excitement for archaeology into the field! Students who have taken MVAC’s 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 or small-scale excavations. Weather may require alternate activities. Substitutions welcome. Full refund less $80 cancellation fee prior to event if cancellation request is received by June 29, 2020. No refunds for cancellations after June 29, 2020. Cancellations must be submitted in writing to: ex@uwlax.edu.

  • Dates:Wednesday–Thursday, July 15–16, 2020 CANCELLED
  • Time: 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
  • Location: 312 Wimberly Hall, UWL 
  • Fee: $200
  • Note: Bring a lunch, drink, snacks, water bottle, insect repellent, sunscreen. Wear comfortable walking shoes and clothes that can get dirty. 
  • Prerequisite: MVAC's Introduction to Archaeology class

MULTI-AGE EVENTS

Public Archaeology Field Schools (3 and 5 day experiences)

High School & Adult

This multi-day field and lab experience is a well-rounded opportunity for those who want to learn about the process of archaeology. Work alongside professional archaeologists on an actual archaeological excavation and survey work. Lab work may include washing and sorting ceramics, stone tools, and other remains. An experimental archaeology component may explore making stone tools and using an atlatl (spear-thrower). Optional lab hours and local field trips will be available after regular field school hours. No previous experience is necessary.

This experience is open to high school students through adults. Fee includes a one-year MVAC membership. Supervised dorm facilities are available for high school students at an additional cost of $225 for 3 days and $335 for 5 days. Substitutions welcome. Full refund less $100 cancellation fee prior to event if cancellation request is received by June 15, 2020. No refunds for cancellations after June 15, 2020. Cancellations must be submitted in writing to: ex@uwlax.edu.

Three-day experience:

  • Dates: Monday–Wednesday, July 13–15, 2020 CANCELLED 
  • Time: July 13: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; July 14–15: 7 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
  • Location: 3110 Student Union, UWL 
  • Fee: $350

Five-day experience:

  • Dates: Monday–Friday, July 13–17, 2020 CANCELLED
  • Time: July 13: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; July 14–17: 7 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
  • Location: 3110 Student Union, UWL 
  • Fee: $500

MVAC scholarships: 

Mississippi Valley Archaeology Center may be able to offer several students financial assistance to attend our MVAC youth programs. Scholarships will be awarded based on interest in archaeology, financial need and grade point average. Applications are due by June 1. For information about receiving youth financial assistance call 608.785.8454 or jdowiasch@uwlax.edu.

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