TIERED LESSON PLAN TEMPLATE

Unit: 2 Grade Level: 5th

Lesson Topic: Standards: Length of Lesson:

Mapping Artifacts 30 Minutes

NYSS Standard 4: Geography
60 Minutes
Standard 3: Societies and Geography

Next Generation Science Standards: 90 Minutes

4-LS1-1: Construct an argument that

plants and animals have internal and

external structures that function to

support survival, growth, behavior, and

reproduction.

National Association for Gifted Children

Standards:

Standard 3: Thinking Skills and

Problem-Solving

Science Standards:

Objectives:

Students will be able to explain how archaeologists map artifacts and demonstrate this skill

by creating their own artifact maps

Background/Previous Knowledge/Skill:

Map making skills

Classifying
Vocabulary:

1. Grids: Archaeologists use grids to divide an excavation site into smaller, manageable sections. This allows them
to accurately record the location of artifacts and features within the grid squares.

2. Compasses: Archaeologists use compasses to determine the orientation and direction of artifacts and features.
This helps them create accurate maps that reflect the spatial relationships between different elements.

3. Total Station: A total station is a surveying instrument that combines electronic theodolite and electronic
distance meter. It is used to measure horizontal and vertical angles, distances, and elevations. Archaeologists
use total stations to create precise maps and 3D models of excavation sites.

4. GPS (Global Positioning System): GPS devices are used by archaeologists to record the coordinates of artifact
locations accurately. This technology allows for more precise mapping and facilitates the integration of
archaeological data with geographic information systems (GIS).

5. Photogrammetry: Photogrammetry involves taking multiple photographs of artifacts or excavation areas from
different angles and using software to create a 3D model. This technology helps archaeologists create detailed
and accurate maps of artifacts and their context.

Pre-assessment OR Anticipatory Set:

Opening:
Begin the lesson by showing students images of archaeological excavations and artifacts.
Ask students: "What do you think archaeologists do with all the artifacts they find? How do
they study and record them?"

Review Vocabulary

Traditional Materials: Virtual Materials: (Links/Programs)

Grid paper

Bag of artifacts

Lesson Procedure:
Opening:
Begin the lesson by showing students images of archaeological excavations and artifacts.
Ask students: "What do you think archaeologists do with all the artifacts they find? How do
they study and record them?"
Introduction to New Material:
Explain the objective of the lesson: to learn how archaeologists map artifacts.
Introduce the vocabulary: artifact, excavation, mapping, grid, compass.
Show examples of artifact maps and explain their importance in archaeological research.
Address a common misconception: Some students may think archaeologists randomly
place artifacts on a map, rather than carefully recording their exact location.

Guided Practice:
Divide students into pairs and provide each pair with a small set of artifacts and a grid
paper.
Instruct students to use the grid paper to draw their own artifact map, accurately placing the
artifacts in their respective grid squares.
Walk around the classroom to monitor student progress and answer any questions.
Provide scaffolding by asking guiding questions: "Have you aligned the grid with the edges
of the paper? Are you placing the artifacts in the correct grid squares?"
Have students share their maps with the class and explain their choices.

Independent Practice:
Assign homework for students to search for images of artifacts and create their own artifact
maps using the grid paper provided.
Students should label each artifact and include a key or legend to indicate the meaning of
symbols used.
Remind students to be accurate in placing the artifacts in the corresponding grid squares.

Closing:
Recap the key points discussed in the lesson, emphasizing the importance of mapping
artifacts for archaeological research.
Ask students to share one interesting fact they learned about artifact mapping.
 Tier III: Tier II: Tier I:

For early finishers, provide Create a game from the list Create a how to list for
them with a more of artifacts beginning archeologists on
challenging set of artifacts how to map out artifacts.
and ask them to create a
more detailed artifact map,
including additional
information such as artifact
types or time periods.

Assessment:

Students will be able to explain how archaeologists map artifacts and demonstrate this skill

by creating their own artifact maps

Homework

Students are required to search for images of artifacts and create their own artifact maps.

They should label each artifact and include a key or legend to indicate the meaning of

symbols used.

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