NCArchaeology@Home

NCArchaeology @ Home is a collection of online content and educational resources from the OSA and our partners, in one place for teachers, students, parents, and anyone looking for enriching experiences, regardless of their location.

Here you’ll find lesson plans, educator resources, videos, and blogs about all aspects of archaeology on land and underwater, through 14,000 years of North Carolina's human history.

For additional content from all of our state’s natural and cultural institutions, please visit NCLearn@Home!

Questions, comments, or requests? Contact us at archaeology@ncdcr.gov!

Share with us how you're learning at home with #NCArchaeologyAtHome.

Resources On This Page

Activities for Parents and Kids

NC Archaeology Coloring Book Vol 1

Educational Videos

Historic Halifax - Archaeology of the Colonial Courthouse

OSA investigates a collection of bricks that could be associated with the original Halifax Courthouse.

Lumber River State Park Archaeological Dig

OSA archaeologists assist NC State Parks investigate the cultural history of a piece of property at Lumber River State Park.

Archaeology Month Kickoff Facebook Live

OSA archaeologists chat about Archaeology Month 2018 and artifacts they brought for show-and-tell. (Artifact segment begins around 9min)

Archaeology in Your Backyard!

Site Mapping - Make a map of your backyard with paper and crayons or markers, being sure to include any "features" like trees, furniture, or changes in ground cover.
Pedestrian Survey - Just as an archaeologist would look for artifacts in a plowed field, collect or photograph any objects on the ground in your yard. Discuss what activities these artifacts tell you might have happened there.
Washing Artifacts - Clean rocks or "artifacts" found in your backyard (with permission!) with water and old paintbrushes or toothbrushes. Allow them to dry so you you can examine their details.
Artifact Documentation - Draw pictures of your artifacts. Write down what you observe about them (for more advanced skills) and take measurements with a ruler.

What differences do you see in the artifacts you have collected? How are they similar? What might they have been used for in the past? What activities may have taken place in your backyard based on what you found?

Courtesy of Shane Petersen, NCDOT Archaeologist