CORE PROGRAMS
Woodland Indian Lifeways, Past to Present
This core program includes a visit to the Institute's outdoor replicated Algonkian Village where IAIS educators teach about Northeastern Indian settlements, family life and farming techniques, as well as Native peoples' interaction with and movements within the woodland environment prior to European contact. A brief stop at our Native American Healing Plants Garden introduces students to some of the plants that were and continue to be especially important for health and well-being. Students also experience the Longhouse Room, where a fifty-foot painted mural depicts the roles of men, women and children in these Native societies. There, participants see and handle replicated and authentic artifacts and learn to draw conclusions about the importance of environment as it related to survival. In addition, students view a short video from which they learn how the cultural differences and divergent world views of Native Americans and Europeans profoundly affected American history. As part of this program, participants also have an opportunity to explore our main exhibit, As We Tell Our Stories, where they experience the continuous presence of Native Americans of the Northeast over a time span ranging from 10,000 years ago through the 20th century and touch upon some of the issues facing Native Americans today.
2 to 2½ hours
$7 per student with $100 minimum

Shoebox Archaeology
In this program, participants will learn about archaeology and field excavation techniques. Beginning with a visit to the Institute's Simulated Site, participants will learn what archaeologists do, where and how they do it and what they find. They also learn how climate and environment related to the movements of plants, animals and people and discover how we can learn about past environments through archaeology. Next, students have an opportunity to put their knowledge into practice by working in teams to excavate their own multi-level "shoebox square," recording and interpreting their findings. A historic timeline assists students with their interpretations. Participants finish with a visit to our Reseacrh Lab, where they view artifacts from actual archaeological sites in Connecticut. This fun and informative program provides students with the opportunity to learn a general history of the geology of southern New England and of the first people to reside here. It also introduces them to general archaeological concepts and procedures. In addition, students will learn to recognize the problems associated with disturbed contexts and the implications of random "treasure hunting." Thus, a respect for culture and landscape is nurtured.
2½ hours
$10 per student with $100 minimum (max. 20 students per group)

ARCHAEOLOGY AND ECOLOGY PROGRAMS
Introduction to Archaeological Analysis and Interpretation
Designed for students who have participated in Shoebox Archaeology, this program begins with a brief visit to the IAIS Simulated Site where students are reacquainted with archaeology and excavation techniques. There, a diorama both past and present provides the backdrop for discussion about how archaeology contributes to our understanding of Native American culture, both past and present. Next, students have an opportunity to work with IAIS Director of Research and Collections, Dr. Lucianne Lavin, in our Research Lab. Using actual artifacts, participants practice some basic analytical techniques to identity the age, use and other characteristics of objects that help reconstruct the everyday behaviors of their owners. After completing some fun lab exercises, students will present their findings to the group. A great program to encourage the critical thinking necessary to interpret and draw conclusions about how peoples of the past lived when learning about the history of Native Americans
2½ hours (offered Monday, Wednesday or Friday)
$12 per student with $100 minimum (max. 20 students per group)
Pre-requisite: Shoebox Archaeology

Introduction to River Ecology
The river ways of the northeast were a vital resource to Native Americans of the Eastern Woodlands, providing transport and food, among other things. Today's rivers and streams are no less essential. This program focuses on the ecology of the riverbed, riparian life and the watershed and its relationship to the surrounding area. Participants experience the plant and animal life of the Shepaug River, which is a short hike from the museum. There, students learn to assess the water quality of a river or stream by surveying the benthic macroinvertebrates (insect larvae, adult insects and crustaceans) and also conduct simple chemical analysis. This program provides an introduction to river ecology, demonstrating its importance for the surrounding environment and fostering an awareness of human impact on our earth's natural water systems. Basic river terminology and the hydrological cycle will be introduced.
2 hours
$10 per student with $160 minimum (max. 24 students per group)

OTHER PROGRAMS
Our facilities include several wooded nature trails featuring plant and tree identification. Upon your request, a program utilizing these trails may be developed.

© 2008 the Institute for American Indian Studies