Digging for the Truth

Introduction

***URGENT!***

Fellow archaelogists, 

I have been on a 3 month expedition, funded by Rutgers, digging in Asia. I recently came across a fascinating ancestral skeleton while in Indonesia.  But I need your help. I am no longer getting any funding from Rutgers University since my trip was supposed to end this Friday, so I must come back. But the problem is Indonesia will not let me bring back the remains because it was found in their country. I am not sure which species this is and if we do not decipher it fast the University will pull the plug on our project completely. So if you can help me figure out the species we may be able to stay a little longer.

Here is his description: Extremely small skeletal structure, no chin, fairly large feet. His brain and teeth are extremely small and we found some stone tools next to him. I hope you can help me uncover who this skeleton is. 

 

Good Luck!

 

Dr. Diggin

Task

You and the team have to accomplish 3 steps before we can send the information over to Dr. Diggin:

  1. Discover what species it is. 
    1. It lives in Asia so narrow your search from the websites given to look at the species in Asia.
    2. Use clues from the letter to pin point what species it might be.
  2.  Present your findings to the class or Rutgers University.
    1. Write in a word document the reason you chose this species. 
  3. As for the other three species that lived in Asia compose a brief summary about them. Each member picks one of the species and writes about them.
    1. You should include: What is the difference between this skeleton and the one the group presented? Did they use fire or tools?  Did they wear clothes? What size is their brain? Any other interesting features...
Process

Step 1:  Get in groups of 3 students.

Step 2:  Use the websites listed:

1.  http://humanorigins.si.edu/evidence/human-fossils/species/homo-floresiensis

2. http://www.nhm.ac.uk/nature-online/life/human-origins/early-human-family/homo-floresiensis/index.html

  •  Read about any species that was said to live in Asia. (Hint: There are 4 species that lived or are living in Asia)

Step 3:  After reading the information, study the description from Dr. Diggin who sent you the letter.

Step 4:  Use the clues he gives and the information to decide which species might have been discovered by Dr. Diggin.

Step 5:  Write a one page summary of your findings.

              a.  Include the species discovered.

              b.  Give your reasons for choosing this species.

              c.  Also include any important information about this particular species. (Size of Brain? Use of fire or tools? What might they have eaten?..etc)

Step 6:  Present this information orally to the class.

Step 7:  Each team member will select one of the left over species and write a one page informational paper about that species. (This is an independent activity.) 

Include these points:

  1. Do they wear clothes?
  2. Are they bipedal?
  3. Can they create fires?
  4. What do they eat?
  5. What are unique features about their skeleton or skull?

 

Evaluation

Your team will be evaluated on a scale of 1-3 for different criteria.1 = Unsatisfactory2 = Marginal3 = Excellent This Rubric explains the requirements in more detail:

 

1

2

3

 

Following Directions

I did not follow directions and had a difficult time understanding what to do.

 

I followed directions, but had a difficult time staying on task and had to be reminded at times.

Evaluation Rubric

 

I followed all directions and was always on task.

 

Working in Your Group

I was unable to work well with my group.  I did not help my group.

I had difficulties with my group, but I helped my group somewhat.

I had no problems working with my group.

 

Use of Resources

I did not use the resources.

I used some resources well.

I used all the resources I had to finish my reports.

 

Written explanation of why you picked the species.

It was sloppy and missing parts.

It was okay, but something was missing.

The report was neat and all parts were included.

 

Individual Written Report

It was sloppy and missing parts.

It was okay, but something was missing.

The report was neat and all parts were included.
Conclusion

Dear Team,

 

Congratulations! You have been amazing helping me discover what type of species was in Indonesia. Due to all of your hard work both you and all who helped me will be recognized by Rutgers University for this discovery. I will be in contact with you again soon about your recognition and maybe you can come visit me in Indonesia!

 

Thank you,

 

Dr. Diggin

Teacher Page

1. **Human Florensis- Indonesia

FACTS: They stood 3 feet 6 inches. "Had extremely tiny brains, large teeth, shrugged-forward shoulders, no chin, receding foreheads, and relatively large feet due to their short legs." The made and used stone tools for food. They ate small elephants and large rodents. They were so small due to the island and because there were no threats to them with their size. 

 2.       Homo Erectus- Indonesia and East Asia

Facts: Fairly modern body portions with elongated legs but shorter arms. They lived on the ground and had an expanded braincase. One of the oldest fossils ever found. 

3. Homo Neanderthalensis-  Southwest and Central Asia

Facts: Neanderthals are humans closest extinct human relative. They had a distinct skull with angled cheek bones, huge nose, and a large line down the middle of their skull. They have short and stocky bones and bodies due to living in cold environments. They used tools, fire, shelters, clothes, and jewlery. 

4. Homo Sapiens- Evolved in Africa and ventured out

FACTS: Or modern day humans. Very large brains, skeletal structure same as modern humans. Vertical forhead, and heavy browridges or protruding face. Along with smaller teeth.