Download Archaeologists and Anthropologists

Archaeologists and
Anthropologists
In this lesson, students will be able to
define the following key concepts:
Archaeology
Artifact
Radiocarbon Dating
Anthropology
Mary Leakey
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An Archaeologist at Work
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Archaeology
• Archaeology is the study of past human
life and culture by the recovery of
remaining material evidence.
• Archaeologists excavate or carefully dig
up objects from the past.
• The excavated objects are called artifacts.
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Artifacts
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Radiocarbon Dating
• Archaeologists use radiocarbon dating to
determine the age of an artifact.
• By measuring the amount of Carbon 14 an
object contains, archaeologists can
determine the age of an ancient object.
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Equipment Used for Radiocarbon Dating
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Anthropology
• Anthropology is the study of the origin, the
behavior, and the physical, social, and
cultural developments of humans.
• Mary Leakey was a famous
anthropologist.
• She concluded that human life began or
evolved in the Great Rift Valley of East
Africa.
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Mary Leakey in Africa
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Historical Dates
• The birth of Jesus is used by many
societies to mark historical events.
• Events that occurred before the birth of
Jesus are referred to as B.C.
• Events that occurred after the birth of
Jesus are referred to as A.D.
• However, this could be considered
ethnocentric. It is also possible to use
B.C.E. and C.E. to avoid ethnocentrism.
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Should the birth of Jesus determine
historical dates?
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Questions for Reflection
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Define archaeology.
Provide examples of artifacts.
Why is radiocarbon dating so valuable?
Define anthropology.
Who was Mary Leakey?
Where did she believe human life began?
How is the birth of Jesus used to mark historical
events?
• Should the birth of Jesus be used to mark
historical events?
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