in Brockport Shelter, water, fire and food, in that order, are the most crucial for survival, Primitive Skills Artist Dr. Darrell Birchenough told sixth graders at Brockport Central School. Dressed in a deerskin shirt and pants and tanned leather moccasins that he made, Birchenough gave students hands-on lessons about how people lived and the tools they used to survive. He demonstrated how to use a blowgun he made out of river cane (similar to bamboo) and how to start a fire. Students asked questions as they inspected the Stone Age items on display including spear throwers (atl-atls), bows/arrows, baskets, clothing and drums. "Being able to see all of the objects that were made during the Stone Age really brings the time period to life," said Social Studies Teacher Mary Pittman. "Students came back to class enthusiastic and eager to learn more about that time period. Several students were inspired to go home and try their hand at creating some Stone Age tools themselves and returned to social studies class to demonstrate them." January 7, 2007 |
