Ötzi the Iceman Field Trips
We offer stand-alone guided tours, and packages that include a tour with additional hands-on, Ötzi-inspired labs. These multidisciplinary activities are appropriate for a variety of classes, including: social studies, anthropology, biology, life science, and forensics.
For information for a middle school (grades 5-8) tour package, visit Middle School Program.
Our Human Inheritance, featuring Ötzi the Iceman
Museum Tour, DNALC in Cold Spring Harbor
Tour the museum exhibition on human evolution, including the first-ever Neanderthal skeleton reproduction and an exact replica of a 5,300 year-old man found frozen in the Ötztal Alps in 1991–Ötzi the Iceman. Hear Ötzi’s story and find out what we have learned about Neolithic times by studying his body, clothing and equipment.
- Lab time: 1 hour
- Grades 5 and above
- Offered only at CSH DNALC location
DNA Extraction from Wheat Germ
DNA evidence has confirmed the presence of wheat in Ötzi’s digestive tract. Use a simple procedure to isolate DNA from wheat germ and learn more about the development of agriculture and domestication of wheat during the Neolithic Period.
- Lab time: 1 hour
- Grades 5, 6, 7, & 8
- Offered at all locations
Pollen Tells a Story
Analysis of the contents of Ötzi’s intestinal tract revealed background pollen that was used to place his whereabouts over the last 36 hours of his life. Using compound microscopes, combine pollen identification with digestive timing to deduce where he may have been prior to his untimely demise.
- Lab time: 1 hour
- Grades 5, 6, 7, & 8
- Offered at all locations
Ötzi FURensics
Learn how forensic scientists analyze materials to understand ancient life and then use these techniques to examine Ötzi the Iceman’s clothes and gear. Using microscopes to analyze fabric, hair, and fur from different animals, identify which materials the Iceman sourced for his Neolithic wardrobe and toolkit.
- Lab time: 1 hour
- Grades 5, 6, 7, & 8
- Offered at all locations