Field Trip to WSU Anthropology Department

  

During our visit to Wichita State University we - 

• visited the Bio Lab, where we learned how to tell if a skeleton was male or female, looked at other evidence that bones can tell us, and heard about Forensic Archaeologists helping to solve murders. We also compared skulls of Neanderthals with those of modern humans
• went to the Archaeology Lab where our presenter helped us understand the work they do with arrow heads, pot shards, and the careful inspection, preservation, and storage of artifacts.  We also got to see (and touch!) a 200,000 year old mammoth tusk found at Cunningham, Ks.
• explored the Holmes Museum of Anthropology, where we learned so much about the Asmat culture, and gained an appreciation for their unique carvings. We also learned about Native American jewelry, pottery, and textiles, and saw items from the new Pizza Hut exhibit being developed.
• did a hands-on activity with actual artifacts in the WSU collection, trying to analyze and interpret what each artifact was made from, and how it was used.  Some were really hard to get right!
• discovered that there was much hidden information in the hall displays which we uncovered with our scavenger hunt. 

We appreciate all the time and expertise that the WSU Anthropology Department staff and students shared with our Eighth Grade scholars.