1. + Discovering the Past Lesson 3

2. + Homework Review Questions Terms, Definitions, Explanations and Visuals 1) Write the definition and an example sentence of: archaeology, artifact, excavation, anthropology, culture 2) Make a diagram/chart/visual of what archaeologists search for Main Ideas (3-5 sentences) 1) How does an archaeologist carry out an excavation? 2) Why is new evidence important to archaeologists and anthropologists? Critical Thinking (5-7 sentences) 1) What different types of information do archaeologists and anthropologists provide for historians? 2) Why is it important for people researching the past to keep an open mind?

3. + Words to Know Evidence (n.)Def: objects, facts, or signs that help one come to a conclusion Ex: Students demonstrate evidence of review and comprehension with good HW Buried (v.)Def: in the ground and covered with earth Ex: Students should bury themselves in books all the time Function (v.)Def: purpose or use Ex: The function of a classroom is to be a learning environment

4. + Digging up the Past Archaeology: the recovery and study of physical evidence from the past Archaeologists search for artifacts: an object made by a human such as tools, pottery, jewelry Artifacts also include cave homes, irrigation ditches, animal bones people used Step 1: select location (or site) Step 2: explore site + make map Step 3: collect artifacts  Excavation: digging to find buried evidence Step 4: mark where artifacts are found on the map  describe, photograph, count Step 5: draw conclusions based on evidence Carbon dating: scientific process used to estimate the age of objects

5. + Studying Humans Anthropology: the study of humans and human cultures 2 types Physical anthropology: physical traits of humans (ex: study brain size) Cultural anthropology: includes arts, beliefs, customs, language and technology Archaeologists and anthropologists use their skills to interpret history SOMETIMES that interpretation can CHANGE based on NEW INFORMATION = History is a living document

6. + Ancient Mayan City of Cancun Discovered in 1905 Archaeologists thought it was small Mayan city Most buildings = temples Old theory: Mayan cities = very religious = Mayan kings based their power on religion and warfare NEW DISCOVERY: In 2000, archaeologists discovered HUGE PALACE (170 rooms, 11 courtyards, walls 6ft thick) Small houses + workshops surrounded palace = large city New theory: Cancun is a center of trade Lesson: new evidence can cause archaeologists and anthropologists and HISTORIANS to change their theories about the past Old TheoryNew Theory

7. + Interpreting the Past Lesson 4

8. + Homework Review Questions Terms, Definitions, Explanations and Visuals 1) Write the definition and an example sentence of: history, historian, primary source, oral history, secondary source 2) Make a diagram/chart/visual of different types of historical sources Main Ideas (3-5 sentences) 1) What types of questions do historians try to answer? 2) What factors can change a historical interpretation? Critical Thinking (5-7 sentences) 1) How might using an artifact as a primary source compare with a written primary source? 2) How believable would a general’s diary entry about a battle be? Explain.

9. + Words to Know Put (v.)Def: expressed in words; stated Ex: The student put the answer in a very clear way Period (n.)Def: a length of portion of time Ex: This year of your young life is an important period in your development in an outstanding person Sealed (v.)Def: closed or shut tight Ex: She sealed her secrets in seashell buried in the shore.

10. + The Story of the Past History: the study of past events Historian: person who studies and interprets, or explains, the importance of the past. History is IMPORTANT because it helps us LEARN about today and our future… “Those who DO NOT remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” - George Santayana “History doesn’t repeat itself, but it does rhyme.” - Mark Twain

11. + Historical Questions Questions help historians investigate the past in a meaningful way Questions help us focus our research Examples: In what order did event happen? How have belief systems developed and changed? How have societies dealt with differences among their people? How are societies similar and different? Why did things happen the way they did? (Cause & Effect) How have groups or societies interacted, and what have been the results?

12. + How Historians Work Primary source: a document or artifact created during a particular historical period Ex: military records, marriage certificates, diaries and private letters, photographs Ex: buildings, artworks, pottery, tools, jewelry Oral history: spoken history, passed from generation to generation in songs and stories

13. + How Historians Work Secondary source: a work produced about a historical event by someone who was not actually there Ex: newspapers, books, paintings Secondary sources can be useful because they analyze multiple primary sources and paint a BIG PICTURE of history

14. + BIAS Historians have to be careful when using sources BIAS = point of view There is nothing inherently wrong with bias – it is impossible to avoid or get rid of entirely But historians seek to both minimized their own bias toward sources, and understand the natural biases of historical actors. Things to consider: Why was the source written or recorded? Whom was the source written for? What was the author’s point of view? Answering these questions allows historians to learn more about sources AND evaluate their usefulness as evidence