Archaeologists

Researched by Michelle M.
2001-02
  • ABOUT THE AUTHOR 
    • DEDICATION 
    • WHY I CHOSE THIS TOPIC 
    • SELF-EVALUATION 
    • THANK YOU

A pyramid has a square base and four triangular sides.  An example of a pyramid is the Great Pyramid in Egypt.


Archaeologists study things people from the past left behind such as tools, pottery, clothes, weapons, or structures.  They also study the remains of people.  First, they dig up or find artifacts.  Then, they clean the artifact.  After that, they study the artifact.  Archaeologists study the evolution of humans.  Archaeology is a branch of anthropology.

An archaeologist’s work schedule varies.  If he were to go to Egypt he would go in the winter or the fall.  If he were to go to Antarctica he would go during the summer or spring.

Archaeologists work at many different places.  They usually work at locations where there used to be a settlement of people.  Sometimes they work somewhere else.  

Archaeologists usually use brushes, chisels, and shovels.  Brushes and chisels are used to clean the artifact.  Shovels are used to uncover an artifact.  

Being an archaeologist can be fun.  One good point is you get to learn new things.  Another good point is the adventure.  It’s like solving a big puzzle.

A job as an archaeologist also has its bad points.  One trouble is frustration.  Another trouble can sometimes be danger.  Some countries or landowners will not let archaeologists dig on their property.  

It’s important to have a good education if you want to become an archaeologist.  In high school you should take the college prep program and take classes in English composition, literature, foreign language, history, and art.  The minimum education level of an archaeologist is a doctorate degree.

You do not need any licensing or certificate to become an archaeologist.
To be an archaeologist you have to have several personal skills.  One personal skill needed is good communication.  Another personal skill needed is good problem solving.

In the United States the earnings of archaeologists is between $20,000 and $75,000.

In the 19th century archaeology became an established discipline.  It helped us learn about the Ice Age, ancient Egypt, the development of agriculture, and much more.

Some related jobs are college professor, geographer, geologist, linguist, historian, museum director, museum curator, and sociologist.

 
 
Who I Interviewed And What I Learned
On December 17, 2001 I conducted a phone interview with Mr. James Newbill.   He is a retired history teacher.  Mr. Newbill has been involved with archaeology for forty years, although he isn’t currently involved with archaeology.  The adventure was what lured Mr. Newbill and many others into a career involving archaeology.  He likes learning how people have changed and how they lived (what they ate, what they believed in, etc.).  I learned: Some classes that would be good to take if you want to become an archaeologist are science and history.  There are many important people in the construction of Egyptian pyramids, but the most important person would probably be the pharaoh.  The first pyramid was built in the 4th dynasty and the bent pyramid was built in the 5th dynasty.  I think Mr. Newbill was a good choice because he told me a lot about pyramids and archaeology.  I really enjoyed interviewing Mr. Newbill.
 

Bibliography
"Archaeologists." Career Discovery Encyclopedia Volume 2000. Pp. 76-77

Cosgrove, Holli R. (Editor).  "Archaeologists."   Encyclopedia of Careers and Vocational Guidance       

Lesko, Leonard.  The World Book Encyclopedia "Pyramids." Volume 1999. Pp. 916-919

Macaulay, David. Pyramid 1975 Boston Houghton Mifflin Company

Newbill, Jamse. Retired History Teacher. Phone Interview

Nolan, John. What is a pyramid? Microsoft Encarta Encyclopedia 2001

Peterson, Karen.  "Archaeology" Microsoft Encarta Encyclopedia 2001

Siliotti, Alberto. The Dwellings of Eternity Vercelli, Italy
 

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