BLC18

With the introduction of a new course, The Science of Archaeology, Lauralton Hall embarked on an amazing adventure into place-based education this year combining both scientific skills and interest in local history. Leveraging the campus’ status as a national historic landmark, students learned how to interpret historical (primary) resources, identify sites of interest on campus, and conduct an authentic archaeological dig using protocols set out by the state office of archaeology. In this presentation, April Kelley will describe the archaeology program, its relation to NGSS, and how you can use the lessons she learned to create your own place-based experience unique to your school and community.
Place-based education has been defined as “anytime, anywhere, learning that leverages the power of place, and not just the power of technology, to personalize learning” (Getting Smart, 2017). What makes place-based education so powerful and motivating is that it can be done literally anywhere – from the most rural areas to the most urban and any place in between. They keys to a successful place-based learning experience are its authenticity and its ability to fully engage learners.