In this episode of Learning by Design, Krishna Cart introduces a new professional development course designed for K-12 educators, focusing on integrating archaeology into teaching. The course, titled 'Unearthing Connections,' emphasizes the importance of hands-on learning and critical thinking, encouraging students to explore biblical texts through archaeological evidence. The discussion covers the course structure, including five modules that provide educators with tools and strategies for effective teaching. The episode highlights the need for engaging, experiential learning in today's classrooms, aiming to inspire educators to bring the Bible to life through the lens of archaeology.

In this special conference edition, Krishna Cart unveils Unearthing Connections—a self-paced professional development course designed to help K–12 educators teach Bible, history, science, and literacy through the hands-on power of archaeology.

Discover how to turn your classroom into a dig site of discovery where students don’t just learn about truth—they unearth it. This episode guides you through the five-module course, featuring ready-to-use tools such as dig simulations, artifact analysis activities, and cross-curricular lesson planners aligned with Common Core and CCRS standards.

Highlights include:

• How archaeology can build critical thinking and biblical literacy
• Hands-on learning tools for every grade band
• Integration strategies for ELA, science, social studies, and math
• A mini-lesson called “What Does the Dirt Say?” using real artifacts
• Tips for designing your dig-based unit

Whether you're a classroom teacher, homeschooler, or instructional coach, this episode offers fresh, tangible strategies to bring scripture to life—layer by layer.

Tune in and start teaching truth with tools they can touch. Learn more about our coaching and PD for schools and districts:

“Want to dig deeper into what we covered today? Read the blog and get the free self-paced PD for educators.

Takeaways

• Kids are wired to discover.
• Archaeology is not just about broken parts.
• Biblical reliability through physical evidence is crucial.
• Students want to experience the Bible, not just be told it's true.
• The course includes classroom-ready dig simulations.
• Module 3 connects real-world discoveries to biblical teachings.
• Cross-disciplinary integration is essential for effective teaching.
• Hands-on learning transforms classrooms into active dig sites.
• Educators can start with one dig or one big question.
• The course provides editable lesson planners and assessments.

Sound Bites

• "Kids are wired to discover."
• "One Dig many Disciplines."

Chapters

00:00. Introduction to Unearthing Connections

02:06. The Importance of Archaeology in Education

03:03. Course Overview: Five Modules for Educators

05:15. Mini Lesson Highlight: What Does the Dirt Say?

06:31. Masterpiece Academy and Course Promotion

On February 20, 2008, a U.S. Navy ship launched a missile at a crippled satellite — a classified mission known as Operation Burnt Frost. One of the officers behind that historic moment was Santos Muñoz, a decorated U.S. Air Force space and missile officer.

Now, Muñoz is stepping into a new mission: Restoring trust in Loudoun County Public Schools.

In this episode, Santos Muñoz shares his journey from Carolina, Puerto Rico, to becoming a candidate for the Loudoun County School Board. A former space and missile officer in the U.S. Air Force, Muñoz brings a leadership style forged through discipline, service, and family values.

He speaks candidly about the current educational climate in Loudoun County, including Policy 8040, concerns over parental rights, and the growing disconnect between school boards and families. With a strong emphasis on transparency, community engagement, and protecting the voices of Latino families, Muñoz outlines his vision for restoring trust in public education.

• Policy 8040 & Policy Disconnect. Muñoz breaks down what Policy 8040 means and why many parents feel alienated by the school board’s decision-making process.
• Lessons from Operation Burnt Frost. Drawing from his experience on a top-secret military mission, Muñoz shares why coordination, clarity, and accountability are non-negotiable in both national defense and public education.
• Raised in Puerto Rico, Santos’s early life shaped his commitment to hard work and service.
• His military background drives his emphasis on leadership, accountability, and integrity.
• Muñoz highlights the challenges Latino families face in Loudoun schools.
• He advocates for education, not indoctrination, and a safe, inclusive environment for all children.
• His candidacy centers on transparency, community partnership, and a student-first philosophy.

• 00:00 – Introduction and Background
• 13:27 – Cultural Identity and Family Values
• 25:40 – Education and Early Ambitions
• 37:41 – Military Service and Leadership
• 49:36 – Parental Engagement and School Board Transparency
• 52:47 – The Disconnect Between Parents and School Boards
• 57:36 – Leadership and Accountability in Education
• 01:03:57 – Federal Guidelines and Local Policy Resistance
• 01:09:47 – Vision for Change in Education
• 01:16:46 – Addressing Latino Community Concerns
• 01:22:49 – Education vs. Indoctrination
• 01:26:44 – Final Thoughts and Community Engagement

Operation Burnt Frost Archive

• Lockheed Martin Intercept Footage
• AGI Debris Simulation
• NASA Article: Social Networks in Military Ops

“If we want to fix our schools, we have to fix the relationship between parents and policymake...