If you see something that is unfamiliar to you, what do you want to learn about it? What questions would you ask?

Start with these questions:

What is its size, shape, weight, volume, density, color, temperature, smell, and texture? What is it made of?

What questions follow?

All good science begins with a few simple questions. They allow you to set up experiments and find ways of collecting data to help answer those questions.

Scientific inquiry refers to the diverse ways in which scientists study the natural world and propose explanations based on the evidence derived from their work.
(National Science Standards.)

Archaeologists begin their investigations by asking the same questions that a good reporter or detective does.

Who were the people who lived here?
What were they doing at this place?
When did they come here?
Where did they come from?
Why did they come here?
How did they use the resources at this place?

Asking these questions helps archaeologists to determine what evidence they need to look for in order to answer their queries. It is difficult to answer all questions at one time, so it's best to work in small steps.

How can we find out more about who lived here before excavating is even considered?

  • Conducting a literature review is essential to learn about what other scientists are researching that is related to your questions.
  • Researching the contemporary and past landscape is also necessary; it helps to determine reasons why people might visit or live here. For example:
    • Would someone be more likely to live in a place that is close to water, or several miles away from water?
    • Would people be more likely to use a mountain side, or a lush valley to meet their needs?
    • If they were using a mountain side, what likely activities might they be performing there?
  • Once you have completed initial research, it is important to begin your data collection in a systematic fashion. That way you are less likely to overlook important information, no matter how unsuspecting it may look. Who ever thought a rock could be important? By taking a closer look, you may discover that it has been burned in an area that did not have a widespread fire, or it may be a stone that is not found in the region.
  • Look closely! Begin by going to the survey page to see how the excavation begins.