With more than three decades of programming experience, the New Mexico Office of Archaeological Studies (OAS) Education Outreach Program has developed an outreach philosophy that involves a multi-sensory approach, a human ecological perspective, and face-to-face interaction where possible. The guiding principle is that understanding human histories in terms of ecological, social, and economics principles is the best preparation for future generations, who will be faced with adapting to circumstances that are outside of our past experience or imagination. Our several offerings are collectively themed under the title “Living with the Land Throughout History in New Mexico”.
• “Touch-and-feel” table-top museum
A traveling “touch and feel” table-top exhibit introducing learners to archaeological artifacts and replicas from 15,000 years of New Mexico culture. This hands-on exhibit allows learners to explore and discuss items that represent an overview of New Mexico history, or can be tailored to specific time periods or activities such as hunting technology, Ice Age New Mexico, ceramic technology, and many more.
• Educational Demonstrations
OAS educators can demonstrate and teach skills including yucca cordage, flint knapping, arrow making, traditional ceramics, string games, traditional Native American stick games, 19th century clothespin dolls, and more.
• Downloadable student worksheets
We are currently updating our downloadable worksheet offerings, please revisit soon!
Activities Available
All of our indoor activities include a take-home component. “All ages” activities are appropriate and enriching for adult audiences. Most activities can be modified to accommodate accessibility needs. All activities are paired with a corresponding lesson. The age ranges are just recommendations, if you wish to schedule programming outside of the suggested range, lets discuss it!
- Potsherd painting, all ages, we paint replica potsherds with traditional plant-based paints and yucca brushes.
- Pot making, 2nd grade through adult, we create small pots using traditional Native American techniques.
- Stick game, K-12, we play a traditional Ojibwe stick game and after learning the game, students will create their own copy to take home.
- Clay trackways, K-8, we create paths of animal and human tracks in clay to tell a story.
- Clothespin dolls, all ages, we recreate 19th/20th century clothespin dolls.
- Whirligigs, 2nd – 5th grade, we create a 19th/20th century whirligig (spinning string toy) and learn how to use it. The predecessor of modern fidget toys!
- Mimbres art plates, elementary level. We talk about traditional art, look at images of Mimbres art and then create our own images on paper plates.
- Ancient hunting technology, 2nd grade through adult, we learn to use traditional bows and arrows, spear and atlatls, and rabbit sticks. This activity uses real traditional tools so is reserved for smaller (25 maximum) groups and will require the assistance and participation of the adult hosts to ensure safety. We offer this at our facility at OAS. A very large outdoor space is required for safety, if your school or facility has a sports field we can bring it to you!
**Educational programming presented by the OAS comes with no fees to the requesting school, library or community group