About Mound House Field Trips
Mound House field trips are ideal for 4th and 5th grade level students. However, our programs are adaptable to audiences of varying grade levels – email or call with questions.
Field trips are scheduled in 2-hour blocks. Students will learn about Florida history and prehistory, how archaeology is used to understand the past, and the connection between humans and the environment.
During your visit, students will participate in three activities, 2 chosen from our Mound House Class Offerings (listed below). The third activity is a visit to the ‘Stories Beneath Our Feet’ underground archaeological exhibit.
Groups are required to have a minimum of 10 students to be scheduled, and are limited to a maximum of 50 students per visit. A 1:10 ratio of adults to students is required.
Student activities take place in an outdoor environment – insect repellent, sunscreen, bottled water, and snacks are recommended. Groups are welcome to enjoy lunch at the picnic tables following the conclusion of the field trip programs. All facilities are ADA accessible.
Due to heavy traffic on Fort Myers Beach from January through April, we encourage interested groups to schedule field trips in the months of May – December.
Payment and completion of appropriate paperwork is required before activities can take place.
Student Programs Offered
Calusa Indian Pottery – Students will try their hand at making a Calusa-inspired pinch pot out of clay while learning about pottery techniques used by Florida’s early inhabitants. Students will also get the opportunity to see actual pottery sherds from the mound and explore the importance of ceramics in the field of archaeology. An additional materials fee of $1/student is incurred for this program.
Calusa Indian Cordage – The Calusa Indians gathered and prepared natural fibers to make rope to tie together canoes, make tools, and weave baskets. Participants will learn about natural fibers that were utilized by the Calusa for cordage and will learn this ancient craft to make their very own bracelet.
Calusa Indian Tools – The Calusa utilized natural resources for tools to gather food and water and to build shelters. Students will learn how tools were made and used by the Calusa and how these tools helped that culture rise to power as a dominant force in the Florida’s history. Participants will observe a demonstration of spear throwing and be given the opportunity to use the atlatl to throw a spear.
Archaeology of the Mound House – Students will learn about the science behind archaeology and the techniques and tools used to uncover clues about the culture of the Calusa Indians. Participants will carefully sort through materials from the shell mound to discover what the Calusa used to build the mound, what kinds of fish and shellfish they ate, and what objects they made.
