The Royal Ontario Museum has an amazing Physical Anthropology lab that I first experienced this past spring. For those teaching HSP3C or 3U, this is a great experience. The lab involves examining a variety of hominid and animal skulls and through directed investigating, approaching the skulls with an anthropological eye for cues to posture, lifestyle, relationships, diet, etc. I just got back from taking this semester’s class to what I know call “The Skull Lab” and they loved it! Although they were disappointed that not all the skulls were real (for what the ROM says are ethical reasons), they were still very engaged. It really brings the physical anthropology curriculum ‘to life’. The experience can also lead to discussions that cover the course curriculum surrounding identifying how anthropology can give insight to socialization (all based on the size and/or common injuries to various female and male skeletons that have been discovered). It truly is a well planned out lab that is invaluable for helping the past come to life for HSP3 students.
The lab runs $16 per student. A minimum of 15 and up to a maximum of 35 students is required per lab. If you are in SCDSB, you can also apply for Experiential Learning funds if you tie it in with career exploration topics that can be discussed with the professors/presenters along with a My Blueprint follow up activity.
The link to the ROM is here: http://www.rom.on.ca/school_visits/index.php?route=product/product&path=2_34&product_id=167 although there are other very interesting labs as well.
The member only resource for this week is a fun activity for students in HNC3C – Understanding Fashion. This resource has students research a celebrity who has influenced fashion and create a presentation to share with their classmates. Download the resource – HNC3C Celebrity Influences and Marking Scheme.