Earth And Space Science Project Abstract
AN EXPLORATION IN ARCHAEOLOGY: RESEARCHING A SCHOOLHOUSE IN ZWINGLE, IOWA
Presenters:
Melinda M. Brown, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1500 West Sullivan Road, Aurora, IL, 60506; miniears@imsa.edu
Emily I. Coleman, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1500 West Sullivan Road, Aurora, IL, 60506; emem@imsa.edu
Rachel N. Edes, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1500 West Sullivan Road, Aurora, IL, 60506; seaturtl@imsa.edu
Mara H. Horwitz, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1500 West Sullivan Road, Aurora, IL, 60506; mhorwitz@imsa.edu
Donald J. Schmit, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1500 West Sullivan Road, Aurora, IL, 60506; donjuan1@imsa.edu
Colton L. Shepard, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1500 West Sullivan Road, Aurora, IL, 60506; colton@imsa.edu
Erik R. Volkman, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1500 West Sullivan Road, Aurora, IL, 60506; eryanv@imsa.edu
Mentor:
Mr. David Gossman, 45W962 Plank Road, Hampshire, IL, 60140; 847-683-2582; dgossman@gcisolutions.com
Abstract:
Our group sought to understand our archaeological site, an Iowan schoolhouse abandoned in the early twentieth century, through two foci. One was excavation techniques for historical archaeology; the other was specific research on the history of our site. Enlisting the expertise of a student of archaeology, we learned how to prepare a site for excavation, and saw how a dig would be carried out. Then we made preliminary preparations for the actual process and practiced these techniques in a prehistoric cave. We hope that the detailed record- keeping involved in this will fit our research for publication. In researching the schoolhouse’s history, we found records pertaining to its background as well as general information about Iowan schoolhouses of the period. Knowledge of the everyday life of the people who once taught and studied in our schoolhouse site allows us to better understand our findings. We compiled the sum of our research this year as a guide to future groups of this continuing mentorship.