Tools of the Past - Stay Curious, Utah!
Often when talking to students about ancient artifacts we frame them as an old relic and nothing more, when in actuality many artifacts are remnants of the pinnacle eras of modern invention and engineering. Many tools that we use today are taken for granted as “modern tools.” But just like the humans that use them, these tools also have a history, and many were designed long before historic time. Humans have been using technologically advanced tools for the their survival needs for thousands of years.
We All Came from Stone
Watch Greg Nunn, a flintknapper, as he creates a finely tipped projectile point out of stone. This video is available for viewing at the Natural History Museum of Utah in our First Peoples exhibition.
Engineering in Their Environments Activity
Use this activity to explore the ways humans have always used the resources around them to create useful technologies.
Surviving in Utah's Past
Have your students interact with these resources to learn more about ancient technologies. Answers to the mystery artifacts can be found in the lesson plan above!