Archaeology

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Archaeology

• Linking Ontario Students
• and
• Their Past
• Cathy MacDonald and Joanne Lea OHASSTA
  Conference Toronto, 2008

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What is archaeology?

• the study of the HUMAN past from the examination
  of remains of material culture
• -artifacts (materials modified and used by humans
  e.g. an axe)
• -ecofact (modification of the environment by
  humans e.g. a ditch)
• can be part of Anthropology, History
• licensed and regulated by the government

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(No Transcript)
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We all know what it looks like...
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...or do we? Because, archaeology
takes place right here, in CANADA.
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Archaeology is a study that uses scientific
methods.(sorry...no whips, crystal skulls or
tomb raiding)

• A research design based on hypotheses is created.
• Initial research is conducted (documentary and
  oral sources.)

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Surveys and tests are conducted to see if more
research is required.
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Excavation may be undertaken.
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Careful records are kept through mapping,
photography, and note taking.
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Evidence is conserved, catalogued, analysed and
interpreted to add to our understanding of the
past.
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Oral tradition Turtle Island formed on the back
of a turtle from that came all life the people
have always been here.
Archaeological information about peopling of
Canada, to date...
5 000 B.P. Thule from Siberia and Islands by sea
B.P. means before present
40 000-12 000 B.P. from Siberia via Beringia
1 000 B.P. Norse by sea
500 B.P. European fishermen, explorers and
colonisers by sea
10 000 5 000 B.P. following melting glaciers
from the south by land
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Archaeology in grade 7 and 8 classes
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Archaeology and grade 7 and 8 classes

• Applies to the curriculum for studying
  interaction between First Nations and Europeans
  establishment of European colonies daily life in
  Acadia, New France, British North America,
  Ruperts Land, the Yukon, critical thinking.
• Applies to studies of methods for studying the
  past primary sources (e.g.
• artifacts, documents) - their benefits and
  limitations compared to secondary sources.
• Can integrate a variety of subject areas
  (History, Geography, Math, Science, Arts.
  Language - English, French and First Nations
  Languages).
• Hands-on.
• Resources available e.g. speakers, sites,
  museums,
• Canadian Archaeological Association K-12
  curriculum with downloadable lessons and Ontario
  Archaeology Teaching Resource from
  www.canadianarchaeology.com