Transcript Social Scientists PowerPoint

Archaeology
Unit 1 Early Humans
Archaeology
The study of human activity in the past
through the analysis of artifacts,
landforms, climates, and cultures.
In this archaeological dig in Afghanistan, social scientists will look at the
landforms around the site, the artifacts they uncover and the culture of people
who lived here in the past, to tell the story of what happened.
Social Scientists
People who study the past. They are like detectives
because they use clues from the past to tell the
story of what happened.
Examples of social scientists include:
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Historians
Archeologists
Anthropologists
Paleontologists
Geologists
Archeologist
Studies the past by using artifacts to discover
clues to ancient civilizations and mysteries.
Archaeologists at “the hill” in Maryland search for artifacts that will provide
clues about the people who lived here in the 1850s.
Historian
A person who studies the past trying to give an
objective interpretation what has already been
written down.
A historian may look at artifacts themselves, or
he/she may look at what others have written about
artifacts.
Anthropologist
Studies the past by looking at the culture of a
specific group or civilization
This anthropologist writes notes as he observes a group of
people preparing a meal.
Geologist
Studies the past by examining rocks and minerals
to identify climate and other natural patterns of
the past
By studying the soil and rocks, a geologist can discover the age
of artifacts and the climate of the area at the time.
Paleontologist
Studies the past by examining fossils to discover
and reconstruct the past
These paleontologists are trying to determine the age of these bones.
What do you
think?????????
Why are
social
scientists
important?
Here are a few ideas
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They help us explain how the ancient cultures
worked and functioned.
They help us understand who we are today, by
knowing where we come from.
Artifacts
Objects made or used by people in the past
Artifacts include tools, clothing, paintings, buildings, and
the artwork painted on the walls of buildings and caves
The painting above and the spear thrower to the left
are ancient artifacts that have been found in caves
The study of ancient cultures
begins long ago before there was
any written language. This
period of time is known as
PREHISTORY.