The Process of Archaeology by Bart Appleton. Ask a Question About Past Peoples.

The Process of Archaeologyby Bart Appleton

Ask a Question About Past Peoples

Do Research to Understand the Culture of These People

• Use library resources

• Use internet resources

• Use resources from the Mississippi Valley Archaeology Center

• Talk to the people who live in the area

Develop a Hypothesis

• What was happening at this site?

What activities took place within this feature?

Develop a strategy for testing your hypothesis

Some strategies for testing a hypothesis might be

• Surface collection

• Shovel Test the area

• Excavate in 2 meter by 2 meter units

• Remove the plow zone

• Skim shovel

• Screen the soil

• Float and sort organic material

Test Your Hypothesis

Laying Out the Units

Removing the Plow Zone

Skim Shoveling

Screening the Soil

Float and Sort Organic Matter

• This technique is usually done back at the lab, rather than at the field site.

Make Observations and Record Data

State Your Conclusions

• Note: This PowerPoint presentation was created by a teacher participating in an ESEA Title II grant-funded project for use in the teachers' classrooms. It reflects the individual’s experience at a particular site and is not intended to accurately reflect what happens on all archaeological investigations around the country or world.

•The teacher participated in professional development activities provided by:

• Mississippi Valley Archaeology Center• University of Wisconsin - La Crosse• 1725 State Street• La Crosse, WI 54601• Web site: http://www.uwlax.edu/mvac/

• All material Copyright © 2000-2005 Mississippi Valley Archaeology Center at the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse