The Missouri Archaeological Society is pleased to announce the endorsement of the new educational competition, Archaeology Quest. We are confident that this program will contribute greatly to many of the goals of the Society.

Created by teachers within the Missouri public school system, Archaeology Quest is a state-wide academic competition designed for students in Grades 5-12. This unique program is also endorsed by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, State Historic Preservation Office. The purpose of the Quest is for the student to involve him/herself in archaeological research on a topic related to a selected yearly theme. It is not necessary for the student to collect artifacts, dig, or pursue other archaeological activities which might destroy an archaeological site. The student then presents what they have learned in an exhibit, paper, and/or an oral format. It should be noted that Archaeology Quest meets a total of 22 Performance Standards and 19 Show-Me Knowledge Standards for the state of Missouri.

Archaeology Quest is a unique competition. The concept of archaeology combines many of the social sciences. It involves the study of historical, anthropological, geographical, and archaeological evidence of past cultures. Archaeology Quest broadens a student's knowledge of human existence by combining these social sciences.

The quest for the student is to discover as much as possible about their chosen topic relating to a selected yearly theme. The student may choose to study a topic in either the historic or prehistoric category. The student will present her/his findings at a regional competition.

The theme for the 2008 contest is: Eureka! An Archaeologically Great Discovery!

The student contest guide, judging rubric, and more information is available on the Archaeology Quest website. You may also contact program creators and administrators Terre Chambers or Carl Gatlin .