Resources for Educators
These resources support archaeology education in classrooms, museums, and public programs. They are suitable for K–12 teachers, informal educators, and outreach volunteers seeking reliable, age-appropriate materials.
National & Professional Archaeology Education Resources
- National Park Service — Archaeology for Teachers and Kids —
Lesson plans, classroom activities, distance learning programs, and field trip ideas that introduce archaeology using real places and case studies. - National Park Service — Teaching with Historic Places —
Curriculum-aligned lesson plans that use historic and archaeological sites to teach history, geography, and social studies. - Society for American Archaeology — Education & Outreach —
Professional guidance and educational resources supporting archaeology teaching, public engagement, and ethical practice.
Classroom Lesson Plans & Activities
- Archaeological Institute of America — Lesson Plans —
Classroom-ready archaeology lesson plans designed for K–12 students, covering archaeological methods, interpretation, and cultural history. - Project Archaeology —
A nationally recognized archaeology education program offering inquiry-based curriculum materials and teacher training focused on cultural heritage and stewardship. - Archaeology Education —
A collaborative portal providing lesson plans, videos, and activities from multiple professional archaeology organizations.
Multimedia & Digital Learning Resources
- PBS LearningMedia — Archaeology —
Videos and classroom resources exploring archaeological discoveries, methods, and themes, adaptable for multiple grade levels. - Smithsonian Institution — Anthropology Teaching Resources —
Educational articles, activities, and downloadable materials supporting the teaching of anthropology and archaeology.
Indigenous Perspectives & Cultural Context
- Native Knowledge 360° (Smithsonian) —
Educational resources developed in collaboration with Native communities that support teaching Indigenous histories, cultures, and perspectives responsibly.
https://americanindian.si.edu/nk360 - National Museum of the American Indian — Education Resources —
Classroom materials and digital learning tools centered on Native American history, culture, and contemporary communities.
Using These Resources Responsibly
Archaeology education should emphasize context, site preservation, and respect for descendant communities. Educators are encouraged to pair archaeological materials with Indigenous perspectives and discussions of ethics and stewardship.
Coming Soon
Additional Pennsylvania-specific lesson plans, downloadable activities, and educator toolkits will be added as they become available.