Mound Modeling
| Strand: | Art, History |
| Grade Level: | 7 & 8 |
| Duration: | 3 - 4 class periods |
| Location: | pre visit and post site |
| Objective: | Analyzing one's own values. Comparing/contrasting today's items valued with those of a past culture. |
| Materials: | sawdust modeling material (recipe in procedure). various items or representations of items important in student's lives |
| Vocabulary: | values |
| Procedure: | Prior to visiting Effigy Mounds National Monument, lead the
students in a discussion of what is and isn't important in their lives. Brainstorm
items and list on the board. Assign students to prepare a list of what they would
take with them if another life was waiting for them after life on earth. Encourage
students to consider what items are truly important to them. The next class period explain that they will be creating a cut-away version of what the mound builders used to bury their deceased. Provide a sketch on the board and direct students to work in pairs creating one hollow mound per pair. After the mounds have been built and while the modeling material is still somewhat pliable, students should cut the mounds in half lengthwise, thus providing a cut-away version of a mound. After drying is completed, students should place small items representing what they value in this life in his/her own mound cut-away. Grass may be painted or glued on to simulate a more realistic mound. After visiting the actual mounds and learning what the mound builders placed with their deceased during burial, compare students' items of importance. A compare/contrast essay may be assigned as an integration with language arts. Sawdust Modeling Material (one recipe per 2-3 students) 2 cups sawdust Moisten with water or starch until a modeling consistency is reached. If wires or strings are needed, put in place while modeling. After air drying, items may be painted. |
