Have you ever wondered about how the pyramids were built?
Have you thought about hunting with stone arrowheads?
Have you wondered what people in the past thought about, how they lived, what they ate?
All these and many more questions are what archaeologists work on answering. In this class, scouts will work towards completing the Archaeology Merit Badge. Become an archaeologist for a day as you explore ancient peoples, find and study artifacts from the past, and learn how artifacts change over time, all in a Natural History Museum with a professional archaeologist and certified merit badge counselor.
The following Badge Requirements will be reviewed and can be satisfied in class discussions and presentations. Any questions regarding the content and structure of the class should be directed to the instructor, David Thulman (dthulman@gmail.com):
- 1-6, 10, and 11. Some of these require independent work before class.
- Scouts should be ready to present to the class on requirement 7.
- We can approve the report for requirement 9(b).
- We will notify participating scouts as soon as we know of field opportunities that meet the requirements of 8(a). We will not be doing a simulated excavation.
Things to remember to bring for this Merit Badge Class:
- Merit Badge Blue Card properly filled out and signed by your Scoutmaster;
- Archaeology Merit Badge Pamphlet and Workbook;
- Other supporting documentation or project work pertinent to this merit badge;
- Scout Uniform;
- A positive Scouting focus and attitude;
- Lunch (will be eaten out of doors, weather permitting).
Most Merit Badges are not designed to be completed in a single session with an instructor, so it is not always possible to walk away with a completed and signed blue card at the end of a program. Every badge requires some independent work by the scout. We call this “pre-work” because, if these requirements are performed prior to our program, we can complete and sign the merit badge card. Otherwise we will sign partial cards at the completion of our program and will have qualified counselors review assignments on an individual basis at a later date.
Meet Your instructor: A professorial Lecturer of Anthropology at GW University in D.C., Dr. Thulman is an archaeologist and former environmental lawyer who participates in prehistoric underwater and terrestrial excavations in Florida, including the pre-Clovis site of Page-Ladson in the Aucilla River. He is president of the Archaeological Research Cooperative, Inc. (ARCO-OP), a 501(c)(3) charitable corporation dedicated to archaeological research and public education.
Terms and Conditions: Due to the level of content and instruction associated with this class, participants must be 8th grade or older. Pre-registration and prepayment are required to attend. Spaces are limited. Check in is at 9:00 AM.
Payment and Cancellation Policy: Payment is due online at the time of registration. Cancellations made seven or more days in advance of the event will receive a refund minus a 5% processing fee. Cancellations made within seven days of the event will not receive a refund. NHSM retains the right to update or change these requirements at any time.
