SAAweb - Sample Lessons Sample Lessons Scientific Methods in Archaeology Archaeology gives students the opportunity to apply scientific methods to real situations and to hone critical thinking skills. Archaeologists apply scientific methods by formulating plans to gather and analyze data. This information helps them to test hypotheses about the people they are studying. For example, if archaeologists find corn at a site, they might hypothesize that the former residents were farmers, and test their hypothesis by analyzing soil samples or noting the presence or absence of farming implements. Through this activity, students learn that some evidence from past cultures survives over time, and some does not, thus influencing the conclusions that researchers can draw.
Every archaeological site is affected by conditions such as soils and climate.
Wet conditions present an interesting situation in which bacteria that decompose vegetable matter are sealed off from oxygen. If not properly treated with wax or similar consolidants, they immediately begin to decompose. This experiment will give students firsthand knowledge about what happens to vegetable matter under different conditions. It also will reinforce the scientific processes used in any science. This activity will cover a month of observation for at least fifteen minutes once a week.