Lab & Learning Center Trip

The field is fun, but the lab is where you get to handle all the artifacts! A lab field trip aims to provide students with a hands-on experience in the laboratory, where they will uncover the fascinating stories behind ancient artifacts. Here’s a description of the activities they will engage in during their visit:

• Introduction to Archaeology: At the beginning of the field trip, students will receive an introduction to the field of archaeology. They will learn about the methods and techniques archaeologists use to uncover and interpret the past. This will include an overview of excavation, artifact analysis, and the importance of studying artifacts in the lab.
• Artifact Analysis: In the lab, students will work alongside trained archaeologists to analyze artifacts that were collected during previous summer excavations. They will learn proper techniques for cleaning, sorting, and documenting artifacts. This hands-on experience will enable them to understand the importance of meticulous analysis and observation in archaeological research.
• Scientific Inferences: As students clean and sort the artifacts, they will also be encouraged to make scientific inferences based on their observations. They will develop critical thinking skills by examining the material, shape, and context of the artifacts. By drawing conclusions, they will begin to unravel the stories and functions behind these ancient objects.

Throughout the field trip, experienced archaeologists and instructors will be available to guide and assist the students. They will provide explanations, answer questions, and facilitate discussions, encouraging the students to actively engage with the artifacts and develop a sense of curiosity about the past.

By the end of the field trip, students will have gained practical experience in artifact analysis and will have a better understanding of how archaeological research contributes to our knowledge of ancient civilizations. They will also appreciate the importance of careful observation, scientific inference, and experimental approaches in the field of archaeology.