Grade 6 Students Develop Life Skills Through Hands-On Archaeology Interview Coaching Project

For many years now, Middle School teacher Rian Otto has transformed a world history unit exploring the field of archaeology into an interactive, engaging and memorable unit that builds numerous life skills. 

Mrs. Otto’s archaeology interview project applies students’ understanding of the field of archaeology into a simulated job interview, complete with the creation of a resume and a one-on-one interview with a pretend archaeology team. The interviews are conducted with parent volunteers, with students often dressing professionally as job applicants do. 

“I’m so grateful for our parent volunteers who serve as the interviewers! They elevate the ‘real life’ feeling by providing students a chance to present themselves in a professional manner,” Mrs. Otto said. 

In the archaeology interview project, students conduct research on what it takes to be an archaeologist. They learn what training and education is required and, once working in the profession, what processes are followed to discover, extract, research, and preserve artifacts.  

Next, students write a resume as if they are a 35-year-old educated, accomplished archaeologist who wants to interview with Seekers International, a pretend archaeology team.  Finally, students prepare answers to five interview questions and then they go through a simulated job interview with parent volunteers.  

“The poise and confidence of our sixth graders as they interview is very impressive. The skills of giving a firm handshake, maintaining eye contact, dressing professionally, and communicating with confidence will serve students well throughout their education and future careers. Upper School students have shared with me they recalled the lessons learned in the archaeology interview when they interviewed for their first job,” Mrs. Otto said.