Boy Scouts work with FBAS for their Archeology Badge
Among the many requirements for the Archeology Merit Badge, Scouts must be able to tell what archeology is and explain how it differs from anthropology, geology, paleontology, and history. Scouts must describe steps of the archeological process including site location, site excavation, artifact identification and examination, interpretation, preservation, and information sharing.
One option they have is to visit an archeological site and gather research on it. Explain how the site was discovered and describe some of the information from the past that has been found at the site. Scouts will be able to explain how the information gained from the study of this site answers questions that archeologists are asking and how the information may be important for modern people. Through this process, scouts not only learn about archeology, but also learn why it is important to protect archeological sites.
More information on the Boy Scout Merit Badge Requirements can be found here.
November 22, 2003 - Boy Scouts excavate the Jones Prarie House
On November 22, 2003, 15 Boy Scouts from various troops around the Houston area performed fieldwork at the George Ranch Historical Park. After attending archeology lab class the previous night, the scouts assisted FBAS with fieldwork. Earn credits towards their archeology badge, the scouts excavated two pits in the backyard of the historic 1930's ranch home located at the George Ranch Historical Park. The field site was the location of the former Jones Prairie home, which burned down in 1888. The scouts performed very well, learning proper digging techniques as well as collecting many artifacts from the site. The artifacts included burned glass, ceramic sherds, nails, pig bone and teeth, animal bone, metal fragments and shell.
To learn more about the Jones prairie Home visit the George Ranch page.
Below are a few photos from the fieldwork conducted on November22, 2003 by the scouts.
