Archaeology at fields of green

Archaeology is something that has become a big part of our school for the past 30 years. Our resident archaeologist, Geof Purcell, AKA “Big Dog,” has turned over more dirt with his shovel than any excavator I know. Twice a year, he puts a new “site” in which is a direct replica of sites found all over the world. Having worked as an archaeologist for many years in the field and all over the world, Geof has amassed a wealth of artifacts that he uses to teach in many venues and schools.

In the fall, he works with our Oaks students for a week to learn about ancient sites such as China, The Renaissance, ancient Peru, etc., and the students dig up artifacts using correct archaeological rules and tools, and create a museum-quality showcase at the end of the week to show their parents. They learn by digging, how people lived and the story behind each site they dig up. It is hands-on history that becomes engrained in not only their fingernails, but in their brains through experience, not just book learning.

In the spring, Big Dog works with our Sprouts class in a program called, “Playing with the Past,” as they learn all about archaeology and the stories that come from digging up ancient artifacts.

As one parent put it, “Julien absolutely LOVED the archaeology week. We enjoyed listening to his stories every day about how much fun he had. He really enjoyed digging up "pottery" from the ground, he told us about how the items were from China, and honestly just to see how excited and happy he was to be a part of it made me proud. Thank you & the wonderful staff for always putting such great effort into their education. I've said it before and I'll say it again, we are incredibly grateful to be a part of FOG!”