Archaeology Merit Badge Activity Planner
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'Patrol Leader Merit Badge Planning Guide for the Archaeology Merit Badge
*** Activities for the Youth Lead Patrol ***
Exploring Archaeology can be a fascinating youth adventure when done right. Here are a few tips to help the patrol leader get started.
- Scouts may never add or subtract from the actual merit badge requirements
- This Planner is only a suggestion of different ideas to make working this Merit Badge both fun and easy.
- While doing the Worksheet is not a requirement for earning this badge, in many cases it can help you learn key concepts and track your progress.
A. Make Your Plan
- Merit Badge Activity Planning Tips - 14 tips for a successful patrol activity. Read carefully before you start your plan!
- Share Your Plan - Meet ahead of time with your patrol, scout leaders, parents and especially with the Merit Badge Counselor. Make changes to the plan as needed.
- Prepare Activity Flyer - Keep your fellow scouts informed - events, activities, pre-requisites and more.
| Patrol Activity | GREAT | Awesome MB to work as a patrol / Max Size 12 scouts |
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Field Trip | GREAT | See Virtual Field Trip option for Reg 7,8,&9. |
| Family Activity | POOR | Requires access to archealogy exhibits |
| Service Activity | GREAT | Req 7a: 8 Hours of Archaeological Site Service. |
| S.T.E.M. Activity | GREAT | See STEM NOVA award options below |
| Field Trip | GREAT | Many historic parks and museums available |
| Duty-to-God | FAIR | Study about religion in ancient cultures |
| MB Day | FAIR | Must have appropriate supplies and facilities |
| Overnighter | GREAT | Many historic parks and museums available |
| Summer Camp | FAIR | Must have appropriate supplies and facilities |
Online Resources
- Archaeology Merit Badge Requirements: BoyScoutTrial.com lists all requirements, additional resources, activity worksheet, etc.
- Archaeology Merit Badge File Store: Online resources
- Archaeology Merit Badge Worksheets: Worksheets are optional - but highly preferred by many MBC. When you find that many requirements say "discuss" - the worksheet can help you gather your thoughts beforehand.
- Archaeology Merit Badge Booklet: Everything thing you need to know about Archaeology is right here. Get this study guide from either Amazon or your Troop Library, Merit Badge Counselor or Scoutmaster to Learn More About this Subject.
- Archaeology @ Simple-Wikipedia: Get the basics quickly.
B. Introduction Meeting
Most merit badge activities do best to have a "introduction" meeting where the patrol can discuss how to get started and to plan out their field trips.
MBC Search
Initially it might seem challenging to find an appropriate Merit Badge Counselor - but check with the several local history museums, parks, universities, or the local scout council - some might already have a scouting merit badge program in place. (Some examples listed in Extra Credit section below.)
News Flash
C. Homework / Prerequisites
Assign one or more requirements that the scout can do at home, perhaps as a family activity.
Homework: Archeaological Site Report
- Req #4a: Identify Five Archaeological Sites in the World - list location, relevance and age.
- Req #4b: Prepare a report about one of these five sites.
Homework: Find Local Ancient Inhabitants Report
Req #10: Research a group of people who lived in your area more than 100 years ago. Find out about their ways of life, including housing, clothing, arts and crafts, tools, trade and markets, rituals and religions, and diets, and their relationships with other groups of people in the area. Describe what you would expect to find at an archaeological site where these people lived. Explain how these people influenced your current community.
D. Study Hall Patrol Night
While some scouts may be adept at self-study, others may do better in a small group setting and taking notes on worksheets. Make an agenda. You can facilitate discussion by asking them why each of the principles introduced here would be relevant. Schedule one or more patrol meetings to work this merit badge.
Pre-Open Gathering Activity
A gathering activity before the official meeting start is a great way to set a fun theme for the meeting.
- Picture Game - guess that artifact
- Picture Game - guess that historic site
MBC Discussion Group
- Req #1: Discussion - What is Archaeology?
- Req #2: Discussion - Describe the archaeological process
- Req #3: Discussion - Dating Artifacts.
- Req #5a: Discussion - Laws protecting historic sites
- Req #5b: Discussion - Major Archaeological Organizations protecting historic sites
- Req #6: Discussion - Protecting ancient history
- Req #11: Discussion - Careers in Archaeology
Archaeological Site Reports
- Req 4b: Scout Reports - Major Archaeological Site
- Req 10: Scout Reports - Local Inhabitants
E. Field Trip
A related field trip with the MBC will be a great time to do the second half of this merit badge activity:
- Req #7, 8 and 9 - Have an options for museum field trip or virtual field trip
Museum Field Trip
- Req 7a: Visit a museum to observe how artifacts aid in conveying history.
- Req 8a: ...assist a qualified archaeologist for at least eight hours with a project being worked on...
- Req 9a: Help prepare an archaeological exhibit for display...
Virtual Field Trip
- Req 7b: Present to your counselor a significant family artifact/heirloom and discuss its history.
- Req 7c: Make a list of the trash your family throws out during one week. Discuss with your counselor what archaeologists might learn about you and your family if they found your trash a thousand years from now.
- Req 8b: ...take part in a simulated archaeological project designed by a qualified archaeologist...
- Req 9b: ...recreate an item or to practice a skill from the past...
F. Extra Credit
While none of these are actual requirements for this merit badge - they are terrific opportunities to show Scout Spirit, Do A Good Turn Daily and to have FUN!
- Activity Reflection: Use this meeting for scouts to ask questions and to reflect on what they gained personally from this adventure. You can also have a discussion on what future opportunities are here.
- Court of Honor Exhibit: Pictures, handiwork and other memorabilia from this adventure will make for a great presentation at the next Scout Troop Court of Honor.
Historic Sites Campouts
- NPS Archaeology Programs for Scouts - U.S. National Parks Program
- San Diego Archaeology Society - Scouting Programs - This exciting, hands-on program provides the information and experience to fulfill requirements 2, 3, 4b*, 5, 6, 8b, and 9b of the merit badge requirements. BSA Camping nearby at Camp Balboa - San Diego-Imperial Council.
- Archeaology Program - Utah State University
- Fort Necessity History Park - Fort Necessity offers both guided and self-guided programs for scouts. GEORGE WASHINGTON LEARNING TO BE A LEADER – Historic Patch Program. This program was developed by the National Park Service in cooperation with the Westmoreland-Fayette Council of the Boy Scouts of America.
- New Jersey State Historic Sites - The Spirit of the Jerseys State History Fair offers several opportunities for Scouts BSA to meet requirements for Merit Badges.
- Eagle Scout Projects at Historic Sites - BoysLife.org Eagle Project Showcase
Related Merit Badges
Sometimes it is easier by doing two or more merit badges together as a joint activity:
- American Heritage
- Geology
- STEM NOVA Awards - Archaeology - BSA National
See Also
- 9 Things to Know about Merit Badges - BoysLife.org - There are more than 135 merit badges. By earning them, you can learn about sports, crafts, science, trades, business, and future careers. Here’s how to get the most out of your merit badge experience.
- Archeaology Merit Badge - Slideshare presentation from RockMart Troop23.