Unit 5:

Think Like An Archaeologist

What is an Archaeologist?

• Scientist• Collect evidence to

learn about people of the past

• Integral to the study of geography

• INDIANA JONES does not accurately represent the life of an archaeologist …

What is an artifact?

Is this artifact prehistoric or historic?

What is the difference?

• Anything that has been altered by humans

• Projectile points, ceramics, metals, etc.

• Tell archaeologists about the people who made and used them

• Look at context … where artifacts are found

• Look at association … connection to other nearby archaeological remains

Investigating an Artifact

These are artifacts on display at the British Museum. What do you think they are?

Ask yourself a few questions…What about this artifact?

Who might have used the artifact?– Men?– Women?– Children?– Hunters?– Gatherers?– Farmers?– Others?

Then What?

How would you know that what you thoughtabout the artifact was correct?

Summary … ArchaeologistsDo not …

• Dig up dinosaurs• Hunt for treasures• Excavate graves

Do …

• Work in teams with other archaeologists

• Study past cultures through artifacts

• Investigate sites• Save cultural resources from

destruction• Work to protect and preserve

fragile clues of the past to help us understand our connection with the past