A. You are probably starting to think that archaeology is not fun, as you have been digging in your backyard for some time now with very little success. I should start by telling you that archaeology is not only a fun pursuit (so don't give up yet on a career as an archaeologist), but also a scientific one. Like other scientists, archaeologists follow a precise method, called the "archaeological method," when conducting their studies.

Unfortunately, you have begun your work as an archaeologist starting with the third step of the archaeological method instead of the first, and therein lies your problem. I will list the steps of the archaeological method for you. They are:

1. Research Design: What past group of people are you studying? Where/when did they live? What questions do you want to answer about them in your studies? Do you already suspect certain answers?

2. Background Research/Survey: What do you already know about these people from previous research? For example, did they live where your backyard now lies? When you conducted a survey of the land, what evidence did you find that past peoples might have lived there, and why do you think this archaeological site (that you will have mapped and documented) will help you answer your research questions?

3. Excavation: What areas of your site are you going to excavate in an attempt to answer your research questions? What scientific controls will you use? How will you record, document, and map your work? What types of tools will you use?

4. Analysis: For every hour spent in excavation, an archaeologist spends about 10 hours in the lab analyzing what she/he has found. What were the results of your findings? Did you get answers to your research questions and if so what were they? Were there other interesting facts you discovered?

5. Publication: Share your findings with other professionals by writing a report about your excavations.

6. Curation of Artifacts and Records: Preserve the artifacts you have taken from the archaeological site for their protection, and so that others may conduct further research by studying them. You should also work to protect the site itself.

If you have studied the scientific method, the archaeological method probably sounds familiar to you Try to learn more about this method before you excavate any further. There are a number of organizations offering great classes you can enroll in to learn more about archaeology. There are also lots of good books. If you want to excavate, I recommend you do it with a trained professional. In the meantime, take heart—you have probably tilled enough soil in your back yard to plant an excellent garden!   • Top of page

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