Students at Questar III’s George Washington School had the opportunity in late May to hear from two archaeologists from the New York State Museum. Laura Fitzpatrick, a teacher at the school, thought of the large exhibits at the museum during a Social Studies unit on the early Native Americans of the state.
Fitzpatrick contacted the museum and was put in touch with archaeologist Barry Dale. She explained the unit the students were working on and asked about the outreach services the museum offered.
“They were eager to work with me to create a presentation appropriate for my students,” Fitzpatrick said. Her students were learning how early Native Americans relied on natural resources to survive, and how finding artifacts helps tell the story about how they lived.
Dale brought artifacts collected from all over the state, including some that were 8,000 years old, 
to the school on May 28. Classes took turns coming to the library for a brief presentation from Dale. Fitzpatrick said the students were eager to ask questions and find out more about what archaeologists do.
Students received posters to take home about the way artifacts are excavated and a timeline of artifacts the museum has found.
“This was a great opportunity for our students who may not have the opportunity to go to the New York State Museum, and Barry was very accommodating to our students and their needs,” said Fitzpatrick.
