Students step into the past

Students from the 4th and 7th grades of the Hulett School, taught by Anna Backen and Josh Willems respectively, enjoyed visiting the Vore Buffalo Jump on October 5. These students study Wyoming History, and the Vore Buffalo Jump allows students to step into the past and really imagine what life would have been like during the period in our history when Native Americans trapped large numbers of bison in the Vore site sinkhole. 

According to Backen, they couldn't have asked for better weather as they watched the sun glisten off the dew overlooking a world-class example of preserved history.

On this particular trip, two members of the Vore Buffalo Jump Foundation (VBJF) Board and volunteer Deb Bush helped the students navigate the site. Board member Jacqueline Wyatt explained how the archaeological excavations have answered many questions about these mass bison kills.

According to Backen, VBJF board member Roy Bush did a wonderful job explaining the history of the Jump and history of some of the tribes who traveled through the area. He discussed different weapons and tools, explained a buffalo hide map of what is currently the western United States.

Backen noted that both board members were full of knowledge and patient with kids and their questions.

Students then participated in two activities: an exercise where they looked for arrowheads, and then a comparison of those arrowheads with a key that archaeologists use to describe projectile points.

This comparison allowed students to closely observe the base, stem and blade shape of the souvenir arrow point they found in a sandbox. Older students graphed the location of the arrow point they found.

This activity helps students appreciate the work and craftsmanship that goes into each tool. The students got a little bit dirty, and hands-on participation is the active learning experience that students will remember. 

As a bonus, the students were able to keep their arrowhead as a souvenir.

The students also learned to throw darts with a throwing stick called an atlatl by the Aztecs. Though the atlatl was not used by the Vore Site hunter as the site was used after invention of the bow and arrow, it was an activity that adults and students enjoyed. 

The atlatl is a tool that helps lengthen the 'lever' of your arm, allowing for additional power behind a throw. 

The Hulett students were just some of the kids hosted at the Vore Site this fall. Students from Gillette, Moorcroft and Spearfish have participated in similar field trips.

Volunteers who have assisted include Ted Vore, Donnie, Holt, Will Haire, Jo Bauer-Goldsmith, Adrienne Keller, Jess Riesberg and Curt Wiseman. Wyatt notes that volunteers are always needed and that anyone interested in assisting with a field trip should please contact her at [email protected].

The VBJF is a non-profit foundation. A meeting of the VBJF is held every fall.

VBJF members are invited to attend, and those interested can become members prior to the meeting. Those with annual membership are not charged admission for tours during the summer and receive a biannual newsletter.

This year, the meeting is scheduled for October 29 at 10 a.m. at the Vore site. Tours of the site will be offered beginning at 9 a.m.