Digging Up The Past

Vocabulary for Mrs. Berg’s Class

account

• noun a spoken or written report

ancient

• adjective Something this is very old.

archaeological site

• a place where scientists study objects from an earlier time

archaeologist

• noun a scientist who specializes in the study of artifacts from past times

artifacts

• noun objects from ancient civilizations that were made or used by people

Canning jar

• noun a jar that is used to preserve food

curious

• adjective unusual, odd, strange

datum point

• noun the point from where all measurements or directions start

documents

• noun official written record (legal papers)

excavate

• verb uncover by carefully digging in an organized, well-planned manner

exploring

• verb examining or looking closely in unknown areas

Fence line

• noun a line that indicates where a fence is or was

Field kits

• noun equipment bags used to hold needed tools and supplies

horizontal

• noun,adjective parallel to or in line with the horizon

jutting

• verb sticking out

lab

• noun a building or room where scientific experiments are performed

Mason’s trowel

• noun a tool that is used to spread mortar or plaster

Nineteenth century

• noun the years from 1800-1899

pry

• verb force it up and away from the surface

Scientific measurements

• noun a common system of measuring and recording that is understood by most scientists

sift

• verb separate by passing through a mesh or a sieve

stress

• verb extra emphasis for importance

support

• verb to provide money or supplies to help with a project

Surface collect

• verb look for objects on the ground or very close to the surface

temporary

• adjective not permanent, lasting only a short period of time

Test pit

• noun one square section used to practice digging, observe soil contents, and measure soil layers

Three-cent piece

• noun a coin used in the 1800's that was worth 3 cents

vertical

• noun,adjective perpendicular to the ground, points up

Whisk broom

• noun a small hand-held broom used to remove dirt gently