Last week, our 6th graders stepped back in time to explore the world of early humans through a hands-on learning experience! Inspired by the cave paintings at Wonderwerk Cave we had studied in class, students began by scavenging outdoors for natural materials, just as early humans might have done when they created their artwork. They then received a short text describing what they would need to paint, along with additional natural materials provided by Chef Adam, including annatto seeds, strawberries, turmeric, and lemon, to experiment with different colors and pigments.

With the help of our Visual Arts teacher Ms. Ponden, students put their creativity to work, using their materials to create their own cave paintings. But the learning didn’t stop there! Once the paintings were complete, students shifted perspectives and became archaeologists and anthropologists. Using the paintings as evidence, they examined their classmates’ artwork and attempted to interpret what the images might represent. Just as researchers study artifacts and ancient artwork to better understand the past, our students practiced making observations, asking questions, and developing interpretations based on evidence.

This activity brought together so many aspects of Humanities, from history and archaeology to anthropology, observation, and creative expression. Most importantly, it gave students the opportunity to experience how we learn about people and civilizations from the past when written records are limited or nonexistent. By exploring, creating, questioning, and interpreting evidence, they develop a deeper understanding of the past and hopefully a greater appreciation for the many ways we can uncover the stories of those who came before us!