Year 7 History Site Study at Macquarie University

On Monday 31 July, Year 7 students attended a Site Study of the Macquarie University History Museum. Accompanied by their teachers and educators from the University’s Department of History & Archaeology, they examined a range of historical sources and artefacts to understand significant historical concepts such as cause and effect, change and continuity, significance, empathy and contestability.

Here are some of the students’ reflections:

I learnt a lot of interesting information, but the thing I found most interesting was the hands-on process when you excavate.

Isabelle L

The most fascinating part of the excursion was the different weapons of a soldier and the requirements that had to be met in order to be a Roman soldier… I liked that everyone had the opportunity to try out a piece of equipment whilst learning about how each part of the equipment/weaponry protects a soldier.

Nicola D

I learnt that the reason as to why the Romans wore a red tunic under their armour was, other than warmth, to make them seem immortal and indestructible similar to Achilles.

Zahra A

I learnt the difference between identifying male and female skulls… I also learnt that special people had a decorated sarcophagus and those at the top of the hierarchy wore purple. 

Ella M

I liked the Museum Tour because there were so many interesting artefacts there including pots found from shipwrecks under the water, coffins made of lead, and there were everyday items that people would’ve had in their homes such as typewriters and home phones.

Isabella D’A

I found the artefacts that went missing or stolen or had a great backstory to be the most fascinating as they all have such different stories and purposes.

Thea W

I found the archaeology activity the most enjoyable because it was very hands-on which helps me as a learner to understand the role of an archaeologist.

Una Q

I loved the archaeology. I loved examining coins, bones, pot sherds, artefacts and excavating sand. Everything we were examining was about a person and we had to put all the clues together to find information about a person.

Olivia N

The History Mystery was my favourite program because we had to use all our knowledge and translate the Latin into English and figure out what job this person did. It was really fun and enjoyable.

Mia B

Sarah-Jane Cartwright, Ingrid Eza-Smith, Loretta Gilmore, Annette Janssen, Anthony Prestifilippo and Jane Sulis
Year 7 Teachers