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Inquiries Filed Under:

Archeology and the Bible

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About the inquiry

This inquiry leads students through an investigation of archaeology and how it contributes to our current understanding of the Bible. It is important to note that this inquiry requires prerequisite basic knowledge of world history, geography, and religion. Developing students’ background knowledge on these topics can be part of the inquiry or from previous learning.

Compelling Question

How has Archaeology Contributed to our Understanding of the Bible?

Staging Question

Students will participate in a group exercise to discuss what they can learn from found items using personal artifacts and creativity.

1
Supporting Question

What is archaeology?

Formative Tasks

Create a concept flow chart explaining the process of archaeology

Sources

Source A: Definition of Archaeology
Source B: What is Material Culture?
Source C: Archaeology: Fieldwork
Source D: YouTube Video: An Introduction to Archaeology: What is Archaeology and Why is it Important?
Source E: Archaeological Sites at a Glance Interactive World Map

2
Supporting Question

What major archaeological findings occurred from the turning of the 19th through the 20th century and what did they demonstrate about the Bible?

Formative Tasks

Complete a graphic organizer for the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Lachish Relief, and the Rosetta Stone

Sources

Source A: Professor W.F. Albright’s Reaction to the discovery of the Great Isaiah Scroll
Source B: The Leon Levy Dead Sea Scrolls Digital Library
Source C: Video from the Israel Antiquities Authority on Dead Sea Scrolls
Source D: Lachish Relief
Source E: Lachish: Open Access to BAR Articles on Lachish Archaeology
Source F: Explore: the Rosetta Stone
Source G: How The Rosetta Stone Unlocked Hieroglyphics - YouTube
Source H: the Rosetta Stone online

3
Supporting Question

What 21st century archaeological discoveries related to the Bible are occurring?

Formative Tasks

Write a series of 5 tweets from the perspective of an archaeologist who just made an important find.

Sources

Source A: Week 3, Day 5 — El Araj (Bethsaida-Julias) Excavation Project (elarajexcavations.com)
Source: “Finding the Last, Lost City of the Gospels”
Source C: Map of current Biblical Archaeology Digs

Summative Performance Task

Argument: Construct an argument (e.g., detailed outline, poster, essay, podcast) that answers the compelling question “How has archaeology contributed to our understanding of the Bible?” using specific claims and relevant evidence from sources while acknowledging competing views.

Extension: Based on your group’s understanding, present an argument that analyzes to what extent archaeology has impacted scholars’ understanding of the Bible. Then, write a series of blog posts that note significant archeological discoveries related to the Bible and predicts future discoveries.

Taking Informed Action

No data found.