Robots+in+Archaeology

= = Using space 'robots' (satellites to be more accurate) to see hidden treasures? If we can locate large archaeological sites hidden beneath the ground using satellite technology, what else do you think this technology could be used for? To read more about the use of satellites in archaeological discoveries visit the website below. Image retrieved from [], 1 August 2011. *

Why might we want to learn about robots in relation to archaeology?

 * ====Archaeology is important because;====
 * ====it provides us the opportunity to learn more about our natural and cultural history====
 * ====it may help people to identify more with their cultural heritage====
 * ====we can use our understanding of past times to prepare for the future====
 * ====Robots can help archaeologists ;====
 * ====to locate places of potential archaeological significance====
 * ====conduct preliminary investigations at sites of interest====
 * ====provide pathways to access difficult places====
 * ====access difficult or dangerous places that humans cannot go====
 * ====provide a way of gathering and recording information such as images, from inaccessible places====

*

Post your ideas about these questions on the discussion board.

 * 1) ====What is archaeology?====
 * 2) ==== What significant archaeological sites are you aware of, in New Zealand, and overseas? ====
 * 3) ==== Do you think there is much left to discover that is of archaeological interest? ====
 * 4) ==== What sorts of places are difficult for archaeologists to explore? What makes them difficult? ====
 * 5) ==== Are you aware of any situations in which robots have been used by archaeologists? Where and how were they used? ====

* = =

media type="custom" key="10376642"
====3. Visit your local museum to find out more about archaeology in New Zealand. Do they have any interesting treasures from New Zealand's own history? If so draw one of these treasures and write a brief summary about the item, including information such as what it is, and what is was used for, where it was found and who it belonged to, who found it and how old it is.====

====4. Make a paper model of a square based pyramid. Translate your name or some other interesting word/s into hieroglyphs to write on your pyramid.====

[[file:squarepyramid.pdf]]
====5. Contact a local archaeologist to see if there are any archaeological digs have been conducted in your local area. Your local museum of the archaeological society of NZ may be able to help you with this. If there has been a local dig, see if you are allowed to visit the site. Find out as much as you can about the area investigated and make a map of the dig site.====

media type="custom" key="9905319"

====6. Make a 3-D model of the world. Select the shape template from this website. You will need to print out the net to see where to fold and glue it. Mark at least 5 locations around the world where archaeological treasures have been found.====

====7. Read the article ** [|Teotihuacan tunnel robot Mexico] ** from Archeology Today, and then using the description provided draw a map of what you think was discovered with the robot. Label the parts on your map. For a bit more information and some photos click here.====

media type="custom" key="9905245"

====8. Read the article ** [|Robot to Drill into Great Pyramid Mystery] ** from Archeology Today. This article makes reference to Indiana Jones. Write your own adventure story based around what might be discovered when the archaeologists drill through the door or v isit here to find out about a robot with a the micro-snake camera and what it discovered in the pyramids and design a robot that could move around inside the various spaces within the pyramids - you might need to do some research to find out what sort of spaces you are dealing with! Are there trap doors? Perhaps vertical tunnels? Hmmm...could be challenging...you might want to to look around on the robot pages for some design ideas. And if you have access to them, the robot image cards.====

Image retrieved from [], 1 August 2011 ====9. Find out about the tole of robots in the rediscovery of the Pink and White Terraces in New Zealand. You will need to visit the Mt. Tarawera Eruption page for this. Do you think it is possible the scientists exploring may discover something else of interest unexpectedly? If you think the might, what do you think it could be? Post your thoughts on the discussion board.====

Image retrieved from [], 1 August 2011. ====10. Visit your local library or search the internet to find out about marine archaeology and ROVs. You might like to start with this article.Make a circuit game with 10 questions and 10 answers about what you find out about marine archaeology. You will need a shoebox with a lid, insulated wires, battery and a light bulb. On the lid you will glue ten questions down the left hand side. On the right hand side you will glue an answer opposite a question - be sure to muddle these up so the questions aren't all opposite the answers. At the top of the lid attach the light bulb. Under the lid wire up the circuit so that the light bulb only lights up when a matching question and answer are touched with wires.====


 * ====Do you think robots play an important role in archaeology?====
 * ====Should archaeologists be allowed to 'change' or 'damage' structures and items of historical significance in order to find out more, such as in the instance of drilling holes in one of the great pyramids?====
 * ====Do you think that the use of robots in archaeology will effect the number of people employed to help carry out investigations such as these?====
 * ====How do you think robots might be used for archaeological investigations in the future?====