Observers in the great outdoor

One of the most important archaeological sites of northeast America, at the heart of a unique ecological environment, students will live an authentic scientific experience. They will discover that archaeology is not only a history of findings since it is a science that seeks to understand and reconstruct the history and development of human societies. It is through material culture, remains of facilities and structures, bone remains (human and animal), plant remains as well as the contexts in which they are found that archaeologist are able to study past societies, distant or recent.

By interactive science workshops, student will exercise their critical thinking and make their own assumptions about the objects they have found during their simulated archaeological dig. They will then put them in context and issue a report of scientific research. They will have to find links between the archaeological site, the various occupations and the ecological environment of Pointe-du-Buisson so as to be able to make an accurate interpretation of a territory by its history, its vestiges, its human occupation and its environment!

On the program:

• Simulated archaeological digs;
• Analysis of artefacts and interpretation of results;
• Exploration of a maple-hickory forest and its archaeological context as well as scientific workshops!

Educational Objectives

• To introduce students to the world of archaeology and cultural lifestyles of the past;
• To stimulate their imagination by questioning, having a scientific approach and by pooling of results;
• To encourage cooperation between students through teamwork;
• To create a stimulating environment, using both imagination and practice.

Developed Knowledge

• Discover that Pointe-du-Buisson hosted the first credited searching school in Quebec and is one of the first places of prehistoric archaeological research in Quebec;
• Understand that archaeology depends on several related sciences (geography, history, geology, biology) to be able to reconstitute lifestyles.
• Discover, through handling of reconstituted tools, the main tasks performed daily during the prehistoric and contemporary history;
• Learn the various documentary sources that researchers consult in their discoveries;
• Discover the range of raised questions which the archaeologist attempts to answer through his research.

Targeted Knowledge

• Learn, through practice, the work of the archaeologist;
• Interpret behaviours of the past with the aid of artefacts;
• Find links between today’s society and the prehistory in order to understand society better;
• Establish links between the inhabited natural environment and the livelihoods that have been privileged to survive;
• Witness the diversity of techniques and wonders related to the way of life during prehistoric times.