Sticks and Stones: Nature and archaeology programming

We had a wonderful day at GESU presenting atlatl and flintknapping demonstrations for the fourth grade classes! Thank you for having us Gesu Catholic School ☀️ 😎

Check out this point Mark has been working on! 🪨 ⚒️
It’s a percussion flaked obsidian biface measuring 4 1/2 inches long by 3 inches wide. He needs to continue with a little pressure flaking on the edges to straighten and sharpen it. He will also add notches to make a nice knife/spear point. Stay tuned for the finished product! 🤩

When it comes to choosing a field guide to help you identify your nature observations, the options can be overwhelming. If you're looking for an easy-to-use basic field guide, check out ODNR's website below. Here you'll find field guides and checklists that will help you identify and keep track of your exciting finds along the trail!
from our friend Shawna Skinner - download these guides to your phone for easy access! Thanks Shawna!

Ohio Wildlife Field Guides and Backyard Wildlife A list of wildlife and nature field guides, as well as documents and publications related to urban wildlife, backyard habitat, and orphaned and injured wildlife.

Meet Mark and Beth :)

Mark Kollecker is an archaeologist and museum educator with forty years of experience teaching diverse audiences of all ages. Mark is proficient in several primitive technologies including flintknapping, use of an atlatl, basketry, and cordage making. Incorporating these skills into his programs allows students to experience prehistoric lifeways instead of just reading about them. Recently, Mark has become interested in the archaeology of toys and games.

Beth Joyave is an environmental educator who has worked in parks, government agencies, and nonprofits for 15 years. Many of her programs involve an unexpected side mission of chasing down a snake, a butterfly, or an unidentified bird call. She enjoys incorporating STEM activities and lessons into nature walks so be prepared to measure a tree to determine its age or use an app on your phone to participate in citizen science data collection.

Try it at home: Bird Bone Bead Bracelet

Here’s a great hands on activity you can do at home. It starts with a yummy chicken dinner and ends with a unique bracelet!