School Days at
Parkin Archeological State Park
April 5-7, 2004
10AM to 2PM
~ Adventures in Archeology School Days: “Life on the Rivers” ~
As a part of Arkansas Archeology Month, Parkin Archeological State Park is hosting their 2nd annual “Archeology School Days” April 5th, 6th, and 7th, 2005. Teachers and groups leaders are encouraged to bring their students and watch them become archeologists for the day in a five-station workshop. Students will get down and dirty on a “mock” archeology dig, discovering artifacts and learning what archeologists look for when they excavate. Group members will also have the opportunity to become laboratory analysts as they sort through actual artifacts recovered from the Parkin site. Students will learn how to use the scientific method in an analysis of modern “artifacts”. They will be allowed to purchase replica artifacts and other items in the park gift shop, or learn how archeologists replicate life in a Mississippian village through art. Best suited for children Grades 4 through 8. Event fee for students of all ages is $1.89 including tax per student, which covers all instruction and materials received. Teachers are admitted free of charge. One adult chaperone per ten (10) students is admitted free of charge. Other attending parents or chaperones will be charged the regular park admission fee of $2.97 per person.
Five thirty-five minute stations will include interactive programs depicting the theme, Life on the Rivers. The five stations will include:
1. Archeology Mock Dig
In a special area of the park, students will be able to experience a little of what a field archeologist does when an excavation takes place. Students will be able to use many of the tools professionals use, including the mason’s trowel, folding ruler, water screen, brushes, and dental picks. This program is tent-covered.
2. Artifact Sort
Students will assume the role of archeology laboratory assistants by learning how to identify, sort, and catalog actual artifacts from the Parkin site. They will learn how to work collaboratively to generate ideas and theories about the lives and activities of the Native Americans that lived at this site.
3. Trash Talks
In this hands-on, cooperative teamwork station, students will understand how archeologists apply the scientific method in determining how different families live today, based on a clean sample of their everyday throwaways. What kinds of activities do these families possibly perform? What types of people live in these households? By making observations and opinions based on artifacts provided for them, students become the “experts” and formulate their own archeological theories. The results might surprise you!
4. Revisiting Mississippian Lifeways Through Art
An alternative program will be provided if a group chooses not to shop in the parks’ gift shop. Based on the new series of paintings now on exhibit in the Parkin visitor center, students will see how archeologists use art to accurately re-create village life in Parkin 500 years ago. Students will learn how prehistoric life can be reconstructed based on artifacts and other features left behind by the Casqui people. Students will also realize many similarities and differences between life today and life that existed 500 years ago by participating in a few hands-on activities.
5. “Casqui: A Bridge Through Time” Orientation DVD video
Students will get a chance to be some of the first kids to watch Parkin’s new 12-minute orientation DVD video, which provides in-depth knowledge on the history of the Parkin site from a thousand years ago to the present day.
Archeology Lab Tour
After a group completes the orientation video, a park staff member will guide the group into the Arkansas Archeological Suvey Research Station. This laboratory is where all the artifacts excavated from Parkin-related sites are washed, cataloged, analyzed, recorded, and curated. Students will see how artifacts are processed and learn the misconceptions and realities about working in an archeology lab.
For further information, contact the Visitor Center at 870.755.2500. For more information on any of these events, contact Traie Shelhart at the park office at 870.755.2500 during regular business hours, Tuesday through Saturday 8:00 AM until 5:00 PM or Sunday, Noon until 5:00 PM. Closed on Mondays. You may also access the park via the internet at arkansasstateparks.com or by e-mail at traie.shelhart@arkansas.gov. You may also stop at the Visitor Center.
The park is located on the north edge of the city of Parkin at the junction of Highway 64 and 184. Parkin is 12 miles north of Interstate 40 on Highway 75, and 23 miles west of Interstate 55 on Highway 64.
Media Contact:
Traie Shelhart, Park Interpreter
Parkin Archeological State Park
#61 Highway 184
Parkin , AR 72373
Phone: (870) 755-2500
Fax: (870) 755-2168
E-mail: traie.shelhart@mail.ar.us
Website: www.arkansasstateparks.com
