Do the Preparation task first. Then watch the video. Next go to the Tasks and do the activities. If you need help, you can read the Transcript at any time.
Before you watch
Think about the following questions:
- What is an archaeologist? Do you think it would be an interesting job?
- What kinds of things do archaeologists find?
- Have you ever lost something expensive? Did you find it again?
Now, watch Stephen and Ashlie as they visit an archaeological dig.
Stephen: Oh, come on, Ash! We’re going to be late.
Ashlie: Stephen, I'm too tired and it's too early. I need a coffee and I need a shower.
Stephen: Come on! We're in York and we're supposed to be taking in some history, but Ashlie seems to want to stay in bed. We can stop to get breakfast on the way.
Ashlie: But I need a shower. I’ll meet you there later?
Stephen: OK. Well, you can join in this afternoon’s session. It starts at 12.
Stephen: I'm off. I don’t want to be late.
Ashlie: OK, I’ll see you there later.
Stephen: Hi. Excuse me. I’m here for the dig.
Man: Hi. Have you done this before?
Stephen: No, it’s my first time.
Man: Okay. Well, if you want to grab a trowel, I’ll show you what you have to do.
Man: What we have here is an early medieval refuse pit and it's full of things like pottery and animal bone. The way we dig it is just to take a trowel and scrape away layer by layer.
Stephen: Bit slow isn't it?
Man: It is a little bit slow but there are a lot of small finds, so you have to be very careful in case you miss anything.
Stephen: Do you ever find anything? You know, like treasure?
Man: We do. It’s rare. It’s not every day but when we do, you always get a big cheer from the archaeologists.
Stephen: I’d better get started, then.
Stephen: So you finally made it!
Ashlie: So what did I miss? What have you found so far?
Stephen: Oh well, I'm making good progress and I'm starting to really enjoy it. You know you’ve got to take it slowly - you can’t just rush in and dig things out of the ground.
Ashlie: Yeah alright, Stephen. So are these your finds? Is this your treasure?
Stephen: Oy! Stop complaining and start digging. Let's see what you can find.
Stephen: Blimey, this is hard work.
Ashlie: And messy too. I am covered in mud... Oh, no!
Ashlie: Stephen, my ring! I’ve lost my ring! It must have fallen off.
Stephen: Oh, I’m sure we can find it.