Archaeology is the study of things that people made, used and left behind. Archaeologists study artifacts to understand and learn about people in the past and how they lived.
Archaeologists start studying by finding an archeological site, a place where there are physical remains or objects from past human activities. These remains are also called artifacts! At the site, archaeologists dig very carefully to make sure they don’t damage the artifacts because they’re very old and can be fragile. Digging in an archaeological site is called “excavation”! Archaeologists used a lot of digging tools like shovels, picks, and brushes for their excavation.
Using their tools, archaeologists try to uncover ancient tools, weapons, buildings, or other artifacts made by humans in the past. By studying these objects it helps them understand the cultures of our ancestors and generations that came before us. For example, tools like arrows and grinding stones can explain how people got and prepared their food. In this month’s GIGIL STEM Kit, you can make your own archaeology tools!
Cave paintings and ancient scripts tell stories and explain how humans communicate with one another centuries ago. While archaeologists study the people of the past, paleontologists study animals and plants of the past! Paleontologists use the same tools as archaeologists to uncover fossils. Fossils are preserved remains of ancient animals, plants, and insects! Fossils could be a tooth, bone, or an impression on a rock! You can make your own fossils and dig for dinosaur bones in GIGIL’s Jr Archaeologist & Paleontologist STEM Kit!
Did you enjoy learning about archaeology and paleontology? Explore these lessons hands-on with our August STEM Kit!
GIGIL STEM subscription boxes come with 5 hands-on learning activities for kids aged TK-5th grade. We offer 3, 4, 6, or 12-month subscriptions, with separate boxes for TK-1st grade with age-appropriate activities. We also accept charter funds! We are currently approved with iLead, Compass, Sky Mountain, and Sage Oak Charter Schools. If you'd like us to apply to become a vendor for your charter school, email us at hello@gigilstemkits.com!