Skyping with Dr. Bradley

On Friday after many weeks preparation, we were ready to Skype with Dr. Bradley.

By this time, the activity had spread to all three grade 6 classes as well as the 5/6 class. We had had many fabulous discussions and the students had made very interesting discoveries.  Avery even  brought in an extensive arrowhead collection found on the family farm. Some of the arrowheads dated back
12 000 years. Many students built models and made objects. And of course, there was the Clan Survivor Game.  Hunting Woolly Mammoths everyday and having to choose hazards was exciting.  Clans built their knowledge base on our social media site, Collaborize.  Underlying everything was, of course, the big idea: how do we assess the validity of  the information we gather?

As the unit progressed we developed a list of questions for Dr. Bradley and on Friday we were finally able to speak with him directly.  Our students had fabulous questions.

 "What was used to make the drawings in the cave?" 

 "How did language develop?" 

 "How do you know your theory is correct. Is there sufficient evidence to support it?"

"How did they choose a clan leader?"

"How did they deal with the dead?"
"Was the construction of the homes in the film realistic?"

"What was the significance of the animal drawings in the cave?"

"Do you enjoy you job as an archaeologist?"

"How would they have cared for their children?"
"How do you know how far they traveled each day?" and many, many more.

Dr. Bradley chats with Michelle.

Dr. Bradley gives more information about the caves to Sean.

Dr. Bradley answer's Daniel's question.

All four classes gathered in my room. Dr. Bradley called and our conversation began. For the next 30 minutes students were able to ask their questions. Dr. Bradley was enthusiastic and engaging.  He cleared up misunderstandings and provided extensive additional information.

One question he was unable to answer was, "How did the Salutreans deal with their dead?"  Apparently, no burial sites have been found.  This is an opportunity for my students to speculate and propose theories and maybe one day one of  them will be able to build on Dr. Bradley's work!  What an incredible learning experience for everyone involved.

Being able to speak directly with an expert has opened our eyes. With new technology we accessed the most knowledgeable person on a subject.  We bridged the gap between university and elementary school and made the walls disappear. The whole world has become our classroom.

I would like to thank Dr. Bradley, the University of Exeter and Discovery Channel for the remarkable documentary that started the whole project.  As well, thanks to the other teachers involved, Matt Scheben and Adam Carpino whose insights and suggestions sent us in new directions.  And of course, I must thank my remarkable students who taught me so much during this journey.

Next Steps:  My students have decided that the Salutrean story would make an excellent video game. So now we are exploring gaming.  Any experts out there who can help?