The 9th grade Archaeological Dig is designed for ninth grade students as part of their World History class and provides students with a hands-on approach to the study of ancient cultures. In partnership with the Indiana University of Pennsylvania’s Anthropology Department, students learn how flintknappers made stone tools, used stone drills to make pendants, and used plant fibers to make cordage. They also then had the opportunity to try each of these activities.

Students at Ellis begin studying archaeology in 3rd grade, and get to watch the activities of “The Dig” led by History Department Chair Ellen Bedell. The actual digging is confined to a 4-ton capacity sandbox designed to mimic an excavation site for the Anasazi people, an ancient civilization in the American southwest.