1. E. Napp Archaeologists and Anthropologists In this lesson, students will be able to define the following key concepts: Archaeology Artifact Radiocarbon Dating Anthropology Mary Leakey

2. E. Napp An Archaeologist at Work

3. E. Napp Archaeology Archaeology is the study of past human life and culture by the recovery of remaining material evidence. Archaeologists excavate or carefully dig up objects from the past. The excavated objects are called artifacts.

4. E. Napp

5. Artifacts

6. E. Napp Radiocarbon Dating Archaeologists use radiocarbon dating to determine the age of an artifact. By measuring the amount of Carbon 14 an object contains, archaeologists can determine the age of an ancient object.

7. E. Napp Equipment Used for Radiocarbon Dating

8. E. Napp Anthropology Anthropology is the study of the origin, the behavior, and the physical, social, and cultural developments of humans. Mary Leakey was a famous anthropologist. She concluded that human life began or evolved in the Great Rift Valley of East Africa.

9. E. Napp Mary Leakey in Africa

10. E. Napp Historical Dates The birth of Jesus is used by many societies to mark historical events. Events that occurred before the birth of Jesus are referred to as B.C. Events that occurred after the birth of Jesus are referred to as A.D. However, this could be considered ethnocentric. It is also possible to use B.C.E. and C.E. to avoid ethnocentrism.

11. E. Napp Should the birth of Jesus determine historical dates?

12. E. Napp Questions for Reflection Define archaeology. Provide examples of artifacts. Why is radiocarbon dating so valuable? Define anthropology. Who was Mary Leakey? Where did she believe human life began? How is the birth of Jesus used to mark historical events? Should the birth of Jesus be used to mark historical events?