Teacher's Notes - Indus Valley - Year 4

These teacher's notes are designed to enhance Year 4 students' understanding of the role of archaeologists, particularly in the context of the Indus Valley civilization. The lesson begins by presenting pupils with internet resources, from which they will read a paragraph and then formulate up to 15 statements that detail the various tasks an archaeologist undertakes. The goal is to immerse students in the world of archaeology, encouraging them to think like archaeologists and deduce information from visual evidence.

As part of an interactive and practical learning experience, students are grouped into teams of six and equipped with a camera to explore their local area for signs of historical significance. They are tasked with identifying and documenting evidence that distinguishes old buildings, which are more than a century old, from recent constructions that are less than a decade old. Through this activity, students gain hands-on experience in archaeological investigation, learning to observe and record artefacts that offer insights into the past. These activities not only educate pupils about the Indus Valley inhabitants but also highlight the broader contributions of archaeologists to our understanding of ancient civilizations and historical events.