ASSIGNMENT: Lab Project – Archaeological Methods

This assignment takes students through the archaeological methods related to processing a new collection. Through this project, students learn the correct terms to describe artifacts, as well as the correct cataloging procedure. Students practice identifying unique or easily identifiable artifacts, especially objects with a Makers Mark or identifier. In addition to processing a collection of artifacts, students produce a written report that includes the history of the site where the artifacts were uncovered, contextual information concerning the method of recovery and the importance of what was uncovered, along with an analysis of composition of artifacts. In addition to this written report, students also create a PowerPoint presentation that summarizes the information in their reports. The resources needed for this assignment, as written by this teacher, include: access to a collection of artifacts [this project relied on the MARTA collection], and access to a digital camera.