Archaeology in Action Comics Project
In South Africa, most approaches to archaeological community engagement and outreach focus on changes to museum programs and university curricula. These programs have limited impact on South Africa’s rural populations living far from museums and with limited funds to attend universities. To address these issues, the Archaeology in Action comics project works with science communication specialists Jive Media Africa to produce and disseminate bilingual (English and isiXhosa) archaeology comic materials (comic books, activity worksheets, and animations). The comics communicate information about archaeology to South African primary and high school students. All materials are freely available online and through a pilot distribution program at our research project’s base in rural parts of Pondoland, South Africa. Our project speaks to South Africa’s rapidly changing social landscape allowing primary and secondary level students to instrumentalize archaeology to explore and debate their pasts.
Contact: Justin Pargeter (Justin.pargeter@nyu.edu)
Expanding the Ancient World
Expanding the Ancient World is a series of professional development workshops and online resources for teachers. Keyed to the NYC Department of Education Social Studies Scope and Sequence, this program is designed to offer K-12 educators opportunities to develop their knowledge of the ancient world and to provide classroom-ready strategies for teaching the past with reliable sources. Featuring inquiry-based workshops, flexible lesson plans, and up-to-date research, Expanding the Ancient World aims to equip teachers with information and skills that they can share with their students. CTLE credits will be offered to New York State teachers.
Contact: Marc LeBlanc, Mariana Castro, Braden Cordivari (etaw@nyu.edu)