Have you ever wondered how we learn about people from long ago? Scientists are always curious about humans and how life has changed over hundreds of thousands of years. One way we learn about the past is through things people left behind, called artifacts. These can be really old, like stone tools, or not so old, like cans from just 50 years ago.
The scientists who find and study these artifacts are called archaeologists. They help us understand human history by digging up artifacts. But don’t confuse them with paleontologists, who dig up fossils and study natural history. Archaeologists focus on human history.
Archaeologists spend a lot of time digging in places where they think they might find important historical objects. But how do they know where to dig? They start with something called a survey. During a survey, archaeologists look for clues on the ground, like broken pieces of artifacts, that suggest more artifacts might be hidden underground. They mark these spots with little flags for excavation.
Sometimes, archaeologists need a bigger picture of a place. They use satellites to take pictures from space, or remote-controlled flying machines with cameras to get a bird’s-eye view. This helps them find buried buildings or ruins that can’t be seen from the ground.
Once archaeologists find a place to explore, they start digging. But they don’t just dig anywhere. They carefully map out the area using grids, which are designs that break the ground into small squares. This helps them keep track of where each artifact is found. They use various tools, from spoons and brushes to shovels and even bulldozers.
After a day of digging, archaeologists head to the lab. Here, they examine the artifacts closely and make guesses about who made them, what they were used for, and when they were made. This helps them learn about how people lived all over the world.
Some archaeologists study ancient Egypt, discovering tombs and learning about the pyramids. Others explore old structures in places like England or the American Southwest. Many archaeologists study the lives of ordinary people, like farmers in Europe a thousand years ago or railroad workers in the United States 150 years ago.
In a way, archaeologists are like detectives, digging into the Earth to answer questions about our history. It’s a pretty awesome job if you ask me!
Thanks for learning about archaeologists with us! If you have any questions or want to learn more, ask a parent to help you leave a comment or email us at [email protected]. See you next time!
Artifact Hunt: Create your own mini archaeological dig at home! Ask an adult to help you bury small objects like toy dinosaurs, coins, or buttons in a sandbox or a small patch of dirt. Use a spoon or a small shovel to carefully dig them up. As you find each item, think about what it might tell you about the person who buried it. Can you imagine a story about who used these objects and why?
Mapping the Past: Draw a simple map of your backyard or a room in your house. Pretend you are an archaeologist and mark spots where you might find “artifacts” (like toys or interesting rocks). Use a grid system by dividing your map into squares. This will help you keep track of where you find each item. Discuss with a friend or family member why mapping is important for archaeologists.
Time Traveler’s Journal: Imagine you are an archaeologist from the future who has discovered your home. Write a short journal entry describing what you found and what it tells you about the people who lived there. What do the objects you find say about their daily life, hobbies, or favorite foods? Share your journal entry with your class or family and see what stories they come up with!
