In Štorch’s Footsteps to Pre-history

Abstract

Pupils from two lower-secondary schools learned to (re)construct lively image of pre-history of Vodňany region in the South Bohemia. The project was developed in co-operation with the Municipal Museum and Gallery Vodňany.

Key words: pre-history, archaeological site, museum depository, archaeological heritage protection, past and present, cross-curricular approach.

Summary

It is widely accepted in the Czech Republic that Eduard Štorch was a successful writer of historical novels for children in 1930s. However, many people might be surprised to read that he was also a gifted history teacher who promoted teaching methods that were unique at that time. For instance, he emphasised that 12-year-olds should started with “hands-on” and “learning by doing” pre-history if they were expected to develop a proper understanding of history. Although Štorch’s educational work has been neglected for a long time, it seems to become a source of inspiration for the present.

Two lower-secondary schools from the town of Vodňany decided to examine Štorch’s methods of teaching and bring pre-history of their region into life. In co-operation with the Municipal Museum and Gallery Vodňany teachers delivered heritage education project that enabled 54 pupils (aged 11 – 12 years) to seek for archaeological evidence in their local area, explore museum depository and learn to use academic literature. Moreover, methods of drama and creative writing were used in order to develop pupils’ affective domain. Teachers also paid particular attention to pupils’ improvement in teamwork and group discussion. At the end of the project, pupils were able to create both informative brochure and a mobile teaching aid to pre-history of Vodňany region. They prepared a special display at the Municipal Museum and Gallery Vodňany that presented the results of the project. At the pre-view they also introduced public to the fact that they had discovered a new archaeological site that was later on documented and recorded by professional archaeologists.

Project Partners: ZŠ Alešova a ZŠ Bavorovská, Vodňany, Městské muzeum a galerie Vodňany

Authors: Mgr. Zdeněk Brom, Mgr. Dagmar Šmídová, Jitka Velková