On Friday 7th September all Year 2’s went on an exciting local excursion to the site of the new Drysdale Bypass. At the site there is some very special archaeological research being conducted that connects to Year 2’s Inquiry Big Idea; “Drysdale has significant connection with Aboriginal people and places.’ The excursion gave students a hands on opportunity to dig and search for ancient Watharoung Country relics and rocks with a real working archaeology team. The site has been successful in uncovering many Wathaurong tools believed to be thousands of years old.
I learnt that archaeology is where people dig for special remain and tools from important Wathaurong campsites. I liked listen to Norm Stanley do traditional Wathaurong ‘Welcome to Country.’
Poppy
We got to wear special gloves, a fluoro vest and a worksite hard hat to make sure we were safe during the dig. We learnt that many aboriginals used rocks to create tools and weapons.
Zac
At the digging I was able to dig in a big pit to search for rocks and traditional Wathaurong tools. I found many special rocks, one which may be the head of a spear.
Ronan
I learnt that archaeologists are different to palaeontologist because they search for artefacts rather than bones. It was so much fun and very interesting. Norm played the digeridoo and is a Wathaurong elder.
Caitlain
I really loved finding Aboriginal rocks at the sorting table. I learnt that the rocks could be between 6,000 and 9,000 years old.
Jake
On Friday I learnt about Aboriginal stones and the different kinds there are. Norm told us about how you can figure out where the sharp bits are from and what they were used for.
Harley
At the dig we learnt about Aboriginal tools and I found a little white piece that was used for a sharp tool.
Pearl
We learnt about what Aboriginal people used to hunt. I had to put a hard hat and a vest on and we dug in the pit to find Aboriginal artefacts. I found a couple of things but Norm thought they were not from Aboriginal culture.
Marcus
We got to dig dirt and take it to the people who were searching through it.
Jai
I liked filling the buckets with dirt. We searched through the dirt to try and fine Aboriginal artefacts.
Katie
I enjoyed trying to find ancient artefacts!
Ella