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ALIEN ARCHEOLOGIST

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ALIEN ARCHEOLOGIST

By paying close attention to what we see around us, we can begin to understand how things work and how we might actively design change. Alien Archaeologist helps us ignore what we think we know so that we can see more clearly what’s right under our noses!

 

LEARNING OBJECTIVES CREATIVE PROBLEM SOLVING, EMPATHY, OBSERVATION
SET THE SCENE

The year is 3985. You are an alien archaeologist whose mission is to study human activity of the past, primarily through the recovery and analysis of the material culture that was left behind on Earth. The objects before you are all that remains of an unknown, and rather odd civilization.

OBSERVE

Each team receives one object. Your team’s job is to record your observations, then deduce each object’s purpose. Examine your object and list as many physical characteristics as you can: texture, color, size, shape, weight, material choice, connection methods, structure, aesthetic, age, cost, etc. As a trained scientist, of course you understand the importance of holding back judgment until you’ve made thorough observations, knowing that there are usually hidden details that will lead to more informed guesses.

IDENTIFY

What was the purpose of this object? How did humans on earth use it? What did they use it for? It’s less important to correctly guess the function than to be able to support your guess with evidence based on your observations.

DEBRIEF

Once everyone has made their guesses, each objects’ purpose is revealed. As a group, discuss the decisions that the object’s designer made so that it would fulfill its purpose and be easy to use.

MOOD MAPPING

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MOOD MAPPING

Often when we’re seeking to transform a space or place, we focus more on noticing the problems we see, rather than on what’s already working well. Mapping all the moods associated with a place can help us figure out how best to identify and address the challenges present there.

 

LEARNING OBJECTIVES EMPATHY, OBSERVATION
GET OUT THERE

In small groups, walk slowly through a building or neighborhood you’re hoping to improve. As you go, pay attention to how the environment affects how you’re feeling—from room to room, street to street, block to block.

MAP IT

Working as a group, use different colored markers to represent shifting moods on your map. Does one block or room feel particularly lonely? Trace it in black. Is another lively and vibrant? Mark it with a warm color, like red.

Make notes on your map with all of the factors that contribute to the moods you’ve identified. What makes one block lonely—are there a lot of parking lots or abandoned buildings? Are there no street lights? What makes another block vibrant—are there places for people to gather and play? List as many assets and problems as you can, and mark them in the appropriate places on your map.

PIN IT UP

Back in your classroom, pin up and compare all the groups’ maps. Identify the areas that your group finds problematic and the areas that are working well. Where do they overlap?

PLAN IT OUT

Make a list of possible places for intervention—sites that will allow you to make the most of the great stuff that exists, while minimizing the negative elements. Once you’ve figured out what issues you’d like to address as a group, you’re ready to move on to exploring possible solutions!