Technologies
What does a shovel do?
It digs into the ground to uncover artifacts!
This is the most common type of ancient pottery found broken at dig sites.
Pottery shard (or sherd).
True or False: Most artifacts archaeologists find are broken pieces of everyday items.
True!
I usually have minerals like clay and quartz. What am I?
Pottery!
Archaeologists use toothbrushes—not to brush teeth, but to clean delicate artifacts!
Isn't that cool?!
What is a drone?
It is a flying device that has technologies to help do stuff such as taking videos and uncovering things!
Archaeologists sometimes find tiny shells, beads, or stones that were used as this type of item.
Ornaments or jewelry!
True or False: Archaeologists study dinosaurs.
False — that’s paleontology!
I have lots of minerals and collagen. What am I?
Animal bones!
Most artifacts are tiny, like pottery shards, seeds, beads, or even crumbs of charcoal.
Isn't that amazing?!
What is GPR?
GPR stands for Ground Penetrating Radar. It's function is to emit seismic waves through the ground.
Tools made from stone, like arrowheads or scrapers, are called this.
Lithic tools (or stone tools)!
True or False: All pyramids are in Egypt.
False — there are pyramids in Mexico, Sudan, and more.
I have lots of fine grained rocks like obsidian, quartz, basalt, and other hard stones. What am I?
Arrowheads!
Dirt can tell stories: different colors and textures show past floods, fires, or buildings.
Wow!
What is LiDAR?
LiDAR stands for Light Detection and Ranging. It's functions are to use light and lasers to see through things and find artifacts.
Ancient pieces of food or seeds found at a dig site are considered this type of artifact.
Ecofacts!
True or False: Ancient trash piles (middens) can teach us a lot about how people lived.
True!
I am made of clay, sand, and water. What am I?
Bricks!
Pottery was the ancient “plastic”—it was used for everything from cooking to storage.
That's fantastic!
What is PXRF?
PXRF stands for Portable X-Ray Fluorescence. It’s a small, handheld device scientists use to measure the elements in things without having to take a piece off or destroy anything.
A small clay figure of an animal or person, often used as a toy or charm, is called this.
Figurine!
True or False: Archaeologists always use whips and fight bad guys like Indiana Jones.
False — that’s Hollywood!
I am composed of metals, organic materials, precious stones, and more. What am I?
Simple jewelry!
Ancient gum exists—chewed tree resin with tooth marks from kids 7,000 years ago!
Yaaaaay!!!!!