You’re really gonna DIG this honor – learning about the artifacts that archaeologists have found that add meaning and details to our favorite Bible stories. Even better, you get to create your own personalized “backyard dig”! (Note, this honor aligns with the 5th grade Encounter Bible Curriculum)
Requirements
1. Define archeology and differentiate it from paleontology.
2. Define the following terms:
a. Papyrology
b. Egyptologist
c. Assyriology
d. Orientalist
e. Cuneiform
f. Hieroglyphic
g. Paleography
h. Antiquarian
i. Archeological site
j. Stratigraphy
k. Tel, tell, and Khirbet
l. Replica
3. Define maximalism and minimalism.
4. Describe or illustrate ten tools that are used in an archaeological excavation. If possible demonstrate how several of the tools are used.
5. Describe the principal techniques of dating an archaeological artifact.
6. Name three benefits that biblical archaeology can provide a student of the Bible.
7. Report on the history of archaeology (minimum of 20 events of significance) by:
a. Writing a two-page research report
b. Illustrating a detailed timeline
c. Creating an electronic presentation
d. Other presentation method approved by your instructor
8. Share with a group or instructor the significance of each of the following famous archaeologists (or other archaeologists relevant to your region, country, or division). Be detailed and specific.
a. Jean-Francois Champollion
b. Edward Robinson
c. William Foxwell Albright
9. Assemble a folder with ten archaeological discoveries that have connected with the biblical history of the Old and New Testament. The folder should have the following characteristics:
a. In order by chronological dates or geography
b. Organized according to the Old and New Testament
c. Photos
d. Texts
e. Bibliography sources
f. Personal commentary about every artifact or discovery
10. Discover information from available resources (video, books, magazines, journals, etc.) about five excavations that are happening at this point in time, around the world, that are relevant for the comprehension of events in the Bible. Explain why every excavation is relevant for the comprehension of the Biblical text.
11. Do one of the following:
a. Assemble a simple model of Jerusalem observing the following:
i. Relief
ii. Different perimeters of the city in the time of the First Temple (David and Solomon), of the Second Temple (Herod and Jesus Christ) and the current Jerusalem
iii. The major archaeological sites
iv. The main points of religious visitation
b. Simulate an archaeological dig (often referred to online as a “schoolyard dig”). Either set up the dig OR participate in a meaningful way at all stages of the dig process including:
This patch was the original version for this proposed honor given out at the Forever Faithful Camporee in 2014 at Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The presentation was given in English and Spanish. It had a red background to denote its Vocational category and included a fedora hat (stereotypically associated with archaeologists due to the popularity of the Indiana Jones movies), a hand shovel, and an artifact. The South American Division had come up with a similar honor in 2012 and its requirements were combined and integrated to form the current requirements. The SAD’s version of the patch design was also adopted, showcasing what appears to be an Egyptian mummy tomb and having a dark blue background, which belongs to the Spiritual Growth, Outreach & Heritage category.
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