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Preserving the Past for Posterity


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Keywords: archaeology, pictures, essay, natural resources.
Subject(s): English/Language Arts, Science, Social Studies, Photography
Grade 6
School: San Lorenzo Elem School, San Lorenzo, NM
Planned By: Gena Vega
Original Author: Patricia Ross, San Lorenzo
In order to fully understand the impact early people had on the development of New Mexico as a state, students must learn the resources in the area, both plant and wildlife, as well as the uses the resources were put to.
Students will go on a field trip to Purgatory Chasm, located about 25 miles from the school at Lake Roberts, in the heart of the Gila Wilderness. Students will be given a guided tour by a member of Grant County Archaeological Society who will give them lessons on native plants and animals. During the tour, students will view a prehistoric Mimbreno Indian ruin (pit house), and discuss possible reasons the site was chosen. Students will also see evidence that the Mimbrenos created check dams to control water flow for farming.
Students will be given cameras (either disposable or digital) to take pictures which will be used to create a display at the Mimbres Ranger Station.
When students return to the school they will write an essay or journal entry describing a day in the life of a Mimbreno Indian.
Comments
Rationale: Our students live in a rural area in the Mimbres Valley near the Gila Wilderness. The area has a rich history, including every era from prehistoric people, colonials, Apaches, Buffalo Soldiers, to modern day. Through our partnership with the Grant County Archaeological Society the students are creating snapshots of the area's historical sites. Thus far, students have taken photos of the Gila Cliff Dwelling National Monument, TJ Ruins, Lake Roberts, and Pictograph Canyon. Their photgraphs have been on display at the Mimbres Ranger Station, the Cliff Dwelling National Monument, as well as the Silver City Museum.
Cross-Curriculum Ideas
We are creating a "mock" dig outside of our playground area for our students to use for educational purposes. We have surveryed the land to determine whether there are any ruins in the area, and have the pit dug. This spring we will "plant" our "artifacts" and make the dig available for all classes to use to understand the importance of archaeology.
Follow-Up
We hope to continue the idea of photographing historical sites of the area to preserve them for all time. Shortly after we photographed pictographs at Lake Roberts the site was vandalized. The pictures our students took will truly preserve that particular artifact for all time.
Materials: Point and Shoot, Word Processor, Batteries