The Draw-an-Archaeologist Jest: A Good Way to Get the Ball Rolling

Abstract

The Draw-an-Archaeologist Test (DART) is an easy way to elieit students' conceptions about archaeology and can be adapted to other subject matter. When implemented as the first activity of an archaeology unit, it provides a starting point for introducing archaeology and addressing students' misconceptions about it. In this drawing activity, students are asked to describe not only what archaeologists do, but who they are in terms of gender and ethnicities. This activity can be used to generate a discussion on equity and to access differences between genders and ethnicities, which fulfills one of the national science education standards for the history and nature of science.

Key Words:

• archaeology
• conceptions
• gender
• ethnicity
• science
• Draw-an-Archaeologist test

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Puran Renoe

DR. SUSAN RENOE has a bachelor's and a master's degree in anthropology and a master's degree and Ph.D. in education. Her specialization is in archaeological education. She has faught archaeology in namerous settings, including K-12, college class-rooms, musewns, and Boy Scout workshops.