Dig It!

PHASE II

Goal: Use the scientific method to investigate an

archeological dig site to determine what early civilization
existed at that site.

Habits of Mind: Thinking Interdependently

Questioning and Posing Problems

Step 1: Documenting the Archeological Dig

After receiving an archeological dig site from another group in another class,
complete the following:

1. Tape a grid of strings across your dig site to provide reference points as you dig.
Label each row and column as shown in the diagram below:

A B C D

2. Using great care, a small shovel and a brush, begin an organized, logical dig
through the grid system of your dig site. As you uncover each item, do the
following things:

1 Label and number the precise spot of the find on the site map given
to you by your teacher. Draw a scale model of your find on the map
as well.
2 Record your find in your Archeological Dig Field Journal pages,
provided by your teacher. Begin by identifying artifact by location
number. Include a neat and detailed sketch of the item, notes on
color, size, shape, material, and suspected use of the artifact, and
name it if possible.
 Continue until all items have been located.

Step 2: Analyzing the Dig Site

With your team, analyze the things you discovered in your dig site and complete the
following items:

Create Artifact Placards for EACH artifact that was found

in your dig site. Make sure the placards include the
following information:
1. Name of item/artifact.
2. Description of purpose or original use of artifact
3. Explanation of which aspect of culture the artifact is
connected to (Food, Music, Dance, Art, Architecture,
Clothing, Language and Writing, Beliefs and Religion. War
and Weapons)
4. Sketch or photo of what it looked like in real life
5. Name of archeologist who produced info placard for
artifact. Teacher
(see Civilization Artifact Placard sheet) Who is check
responsible? off
Artifact #1
Artifact #2
Artifact #3
Artifact #4
Artifact #5
Artifact #6
Artifact #7
Artifact #8
Artifact #9
Artifact #10
Artifact #11
Artifact #12