Skype Interview about Archaeology with Mrs. Bibayoff’s Sixth Grade Class in Sacramento, CA

With a replica of the “Mask of Agamemnon”

Today, I participated in a Skype interview with Mrs. Karisa Bibayoff’s Natomas Charter School (Leading Edge Academy) 6th grade class in Sacramento, CA.

We discussed how archaeology works and the students asked some very thoughtful questions ranging from the importance of stratigraphy to whether I ever connected personally with the cultures I’m excavating, especially when handling domestic wares. Like I said, thoughtful stuff.

The technology worked perfectly, the students were wonderful, and I had a great time. (And I hope the kids learned some fun things!!) Hopefully, some young Sacramento sixth grader will grow up to be an archaeologist. (And attend the University of Iowa!)

Mrs. Bibayoff created a SlideRocket show based on what they saw on their end of the interview. The coolest part was the instant and collective, “Woooooaaaahhh! Cooool!” when I held up a bronze dagger. I showed them some pottery from Tel Azekah and a piece of marble from a Corinthian capital. And of course, they loved the replica of the burial “Mask of Agamemnon” (especially when I put it on. I’m guessing it looked less scary than my own face. ;-) Their response immediately took me back to the 6th grade when I first heard about the Space Shuttle and I was mesmerized.

Anywho, had to share, because teaching (especially young kids) is what being an educator is all about! Thanx again to Mrs. Bibayoff!

With a replica of the “Mask of Agamemnon”. It’s less scary this way. ;-)

“You say ‘Lord, Lord,’ but I never knew you” – Jesus

Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day Meets Matthew 7:22-23

(HT: Ric Depavie)

Mac Learns to Walk

The video speaks for itself. Mac figured it out, and he did so just in time for my father’s birthday.

Happy birthday Dad. And congrats Mac. I’m very proud of you both!

Now I have to teach him to hit a slider to right field (something I never figured out ;-)

Happy 1st Birthday MacLaren

MacLaren at One

Mac,

One year ago you changed our lives, and I, mommy, and your sister (as well as Tiggens, and your grandparents and uncles and aunts and friends) have loved you more every day.

I love you more than I can say, and I miss you. I’ll be home very soon to give you hugs and cuddles (and to teach you stratigraphy and how to read pottery), but for now, please watch this video that my friends and colleagues here at Tel Azekah made for you.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SON! I love you. Kiss mommy and pet Tiggens for me. See you soon.

Impromptu, on-site history of LMLK seals by Tel Aviv University’s Omer Sergi

Today (August 2, 2012) at Tel Azekah, Chaim Tzemach unearthed a jar handle with a LMLK seal impression on it. Area S-2 Supervisor Omer Sergi (a Ph.D candidate in archaeology at Tel Aviv University waiting for his beloved advisor, Dr. Oded Lipschits, to finish reading and sign his dissertation ;-) identified the object and immediately broke into a quick lecture on LMLK seals for the student volunteers who had never heard of them.

What is most impressive is that it is a completely impromptu, yet highly informative lecture about LMLK seals given from the balk of a Tel Azekah Area S-2 square to students who had just pulled one out of the earth!

What follows is video I took of that lecture from the balk, which is the best 3-minute summation I’ve ever heard of LMLK seal impressions. In fact, I’ll incorporate this video into my “Jerusalem from the Bronze to the Digital Age” course at the University of Iowa.

Watch and learn.