Archaeology Merit Badge

The Archaeology merit badge is a great way for Scouts to learn about ancient civilizations and how people lived in the past. By studying archaeology, Scouts discover how artifacts and ruins can teach us about history. They learn how archaeologists work to uncover and protect important parts of our heritage.

While working on the Archaeology merit badge, Scouts will understand the tools and methods used by archaeologists. They will see how careful planning and research help us find clues about past cultures. This badge helps Scouts gain an appreciation for the work that goes into preserving historical sites.

Scouts also benefit from the Archaeology merit badge by improving their research and observation skills. They will learn how to ask questions and search for answers like an archaeologist. These skills can help them in school and in everyday life.

Earning the Archaeology merit badge also encourages Scouts to think about how history affects the present. It can give them a better understanding of why it’s important to take care of cultural landmarks. This knowledge helps Scouts become more responsible citizens.

Download the Archaeology Merit Badge Requirements

Archaeology Merit Badge Workbook / Worksheet

Archaeology Merit Badge Check Off Sheet

Checklist for All Merit Badges

Help with Answers for Archaeology Merit Badge Requirements

Find specific helps for some of the Archaeology Merit Badge requirements listed below. Some of these resources will just give the answers. Others will provide engaging ways for older Scouts to introduce these concepts to new Scouts.

What is Archaeology?

Archaeology is the study of past human life and cultures through the things people left behind. Archaeologists study artifacts like tools, pottery, buildings, and other objects to learn how people lived long ago. By looking at these items, they can understand how ancient people worked, what they believed, and how they built their communities.

For the Archaeology merit badge, it is important to know how archaeology is different or connected to other fields of study.

How Archaeology Connects to Other Fields

• Anthropology: Archaeology is a branch of anthropology, which is the study of humans. While anthropology looks at human culture in general, archaeology focuses on the physical remains of past cultures.
• Geology: Geology is the study of rocks, minerals, and how the Earth changes over time. Archaeologists sometimes work with geologists to understand how land and environments affected ancient people.
• Paleontology: Paleontology studies ancient life, but it focuses on fossils and dinosaurs, not human history. Archaeologists study things made by humans, not ancient animals.
• History: History looks at written records of the past, but archaeology studies physical objects. Sometimes archaeologists find items from times and places where no written records exist.

How Archaeology is Different from Artifact Collecting or Treasure Hunting

Archaeology is different from collecting artifacts or treasure hunting. Archaeologists carefully study and record what they find. Their goal is to learn about past cultures and share that knowledge. Collecting artifacts for personal use or hunting for treasure doesn’t help us learn about history. It can also damage important sites and destroy valuable information.

Understanding these differences is an important part of the Archaeology merit badge. It helps Scouts learn the value of preserving history for future generations.

Steps of the Archaeological Process

When working on the Archaeology merit badge, Scouts learn about the steps archaeologists follow to study ancient sites. Each step is important to understand what happened in the past.

1. Site Location: Archaeologists first need to find a place to study, called a site. They use maps, old records, or even stories passed down through generations to figure out where people might have lived or worked long ago.
2. Background Research and Research Design: Once a site is found, archaeologists study everything they can about it before they start digging. This is called background research. They make a plan, called a research design, for how they will study the site and what questions they hope to answer.
3. Site Survey and Fieldwork: Before digging, archaeologists walk through the site and look for clues on the surface. They might use tools like radar or drones to look underground. Once they know where to dig, they carefully start their fieldwork by removing small amounts of dirt and recording what they find.
4. Artifact Identification and Examination: After digging, archaeologists study the objects they find. They clean and identify the artifacts, which could be tools, pottery, or other items. Each item is carefully examined to see how it was used and what it can tell us about the people who made it.
5. Interpretation: Archaeologists then use all the information they gathered to explain what life was like at the site. This is called interpretation. They piece together the clues to form a story about the past.
6. Preservation: Archaeologists take steps to protect the site and the artifacts they find. Preserving these items and sites means future generations can also learn from them. Sometimes, this involves putting items in museums or protecting the land from construction.
7. Information Sharing: The final step is sharing what they learned. Archaeologists write reports, create exhibits, or give talks to let others know about their discoveries. This is how we all benefit from their work.

By learning these steps as part of the Archaeology merit badge, Scouts understand how archaeologists study history and protect important sites.

How Archaeologists Determine the Age of Sites and Artifacts

As part of the Archaeology merit badge, Scouts learn how archaeologists figure out the age of the things they find. There are two main ways they do this: relative dating and absolute dating.

• Relative Dating: This method helps archaeologists figure out if one object is older or younger than another. It doesn’t give an exact age. Archaeologists look at how deep something is buried or compare it to other objects found in the same area. The deeper an object is buried, the older it is, usually. Another way is by comparing styles of pottery or tools from different time periods.
• Absolute Dating: This method gives archaeologists a more exact age of an artifact, site, or structure. One common way to do this is called carbon dating. Carbon dating measures how much of a certain chemical (carbon-14) is left in once-living objects, like wood or bones. By measuring this, archaeologists can figure out how old the item is in years.

Other types of absolute dating include dendrochronology, which is observing tree rings to know the age of wooden objects, and radiometric dating, which measures chemicals in rocks or minerals.

Learning these methods helps Scouts working on the Archaeology merit badge understand how archaeologists put together a timeline of the past. This knowledge is important for understanding when and how ancient people lived.

Learning About Archaeological Sites for the Archaeology Merit Badge

When working on the Archaeology merit badge, Scouts explore different archaeological sites. Each site gives us clues about the past and helps us understand ancient cultures. Here are some important archaeological sites you can research, both in the United States and around the world.

• Mesa Verde (USA): Located in Colorado, this site has ancient cliff dwellings built by the Ancestral Pueblo people. Archaeologists discovered it in the late 1800s. The site gives us information about how these people lived, farmed, and built their homes in the cliffs.
• Cahokia Mounds (USA): In Illinois, Cahokia was a large city built by Native Americans around 1000 AD. It was found through large earth mounds. Archaeologists study the site to learn about the social and political life of the ancient Mississippian culture.
• Jamestown (USA): Jamestown, Virginia, is one of the first permanent English settlements in America. Archaeologists have found buildings, tools, and bones that give insight into how settlers survived and interacted with Native Americans.
• Chaco Canyon (USA): In New Mexico, Chaco Canyon was a major center of Pueblo culture. It became known to archaeologists through large stone structures. Studies here help us understand trade, astronomy, and architecture of the ancient Southwest.
• Machu Picchu (Peru): This Incan city, high in the Andes Mountains, was rediscovered in 1911 by archaeologist Hiram Bingham. It shows us the advanced engineering and agricultural techniques of the Incan Empire.
• Stonehenge (United Kingdom): Stonehenge is a prehistoric stone circle in England. Archaeologists believe it was used for ceremonies and tracking the seasons. They continue to study it to understand its purpose and how it was built.
• Pompeii (Italy): Buried by a volcanic eruption in 79 AD, Pompeii gives a detailed look at Roman life. The site was rediscovered in the 1700s. Archaeologists found homes, shops, and even people preserved in ash.
• Giza Pyramids (Egypt): The pyramids of Giza were built over 4,500 years ago. Archaeologists study the tombs and burial practices of the pharaohs. These pyramids show us the power and belief system of ancient Egypt.
• Terracotta Army (China): Discovered in 1974, this site in Xi’an contains thousands of life-sized clay soldiers buried with China’s first emperor. Archaeologists learn about Chinese military and art from these statues.
• Lascaux Cave (France): Found in 1940, Lascaux contains prehistoric cave paintings that are over 17,000 years old. Archaeologists study the drawings to learn about early humans and their view of the natural world.

Comparing the Ages and Importance of These Sites

These sites vary greatly in age. For example, Lascaux Cave is over 17,000 years old, while Jamestown is only about 400 years old. Each site answers different questions about the past. Some sites, like Mesa Verde and Cahokia, help us understand early Native American cultures. Others, like Pompeii and Machu Picchu, show how entire civilizations lived and thrived. This information is important to modern people because it helps us learn from the successes and failures of past societies.

By researching these sites for the Archaeology merit badge, Scouts can give a presentation on one of them. This will help them share what they’ve learned about ancient cultures and how archaeology answers important questions about history.

Protecting Archaeological Sites: Laws and Organizations

For the Archaeology merit badge, Scouts learn how archaeological sites are protected by laws and organizations. These laws help preserve important pieces of history, so future generations can learn from them.

Federal Laws Protecting Archaeological Sites

In the United States, several laws protect archaeological sites:

• The Antiquities Act (1906): This was the first law to protect historical and cultural sites. It gives the president the power to create national monuments to protect important sites.
• The Archaeological Resources Protection Act (ARPA) (1979): This law makes it illegal to take, damage, or sell artifacts from public lands without permission. It helps protect sites on federal land.
• National Historic Preservation Act (1966): This law created the National Register of Historic Places. It requires the government to protect historic and archaeological sites during construction or development projects.

International Conventions

Archaeological sites worldwide are also protected by international agreements:

• The UNESCO World Heritage Convention (1972): This treaty helps protect cultural sites around the world. Countries that sign it agree to protect important landmarks and historical sites.
• The Hague Convention (1954): This agreement protects cultural property during armed conflicts. It ensures that countries take steps to protect historical sites during war.

Local and State Regulations

Many states, counties, and cities have their own laws for protecting historic and archaeological sites. Some states have laws similar to ARPA that protect archaeological sites on state-owned land. To find out if your area has these laws, check with your state’s historical preservation office or local government.

Organizations That Help Protect Archaeological Sites

Several organizations work to protect archaeological sites at different levels:

• National Park Service (NPS): In the U.S., the NPS helps protect archaeological sites in national parks and monuments. It also manages the National Register of Historic Places.
• UNESCO: This international organization protects World Heritage Sites and works with countries to preserve cultural landmarks.
• Archaeological Conservancy: This U.S.-based nonprofit buys land with important archaeological sites to protect them from development.
• Local Historical Societies: Many towns and cities have historical societies that work to protect and preserve local historic sites. They might help save important buildings or land where archaeological sites are found.

By learning about these laws and organizations through the Archaeology merit badge, Scouts can see how important it is to protect historical sites. These protections help us preserve history for future generations.

Why Protecting Archaeological Sites is Important

Protecting archaeological sites is important because these places hold valuable information about our past. Artifacts and ancient structures teach us about how people lived, worked, and built communities. When a site is destroyed or damaged, we lose that knowledge forever. It’s like losing a piece of a puzzle that helps us understand history.

For the Archaeology merit badge, Scouts learn that protecting these sites ensures that future generations can also learn from them. Preserving our heritage helps us understand where we come from and what we can learn from past cultures.

What to Do If You Think You Found an Artifact

If you think you have found an artifact, it’s important not to move or disturb it. The location of an object is just as important as the object itself. Instead of picking it up, mark the spot, take a picture if possible, and contact local authorities or a park ranger. They will know the right steps to take. Moving or taking artifacts is illegal in many areas, especially on public or protected lands.

How You Can Be a Protector of the Past

You can help protect the past in several ways:

• Follow the Rules: Obey laws that protect archaeological sites. Never take or damage artifacts, even if you find them by accident.
• Educate Others: Share what you’ve learned about archaeology with others. Explain why it’s important to protect these sites so that everyone can help.
• Report Discoveries: If you see someone damaging a site or you find an artifact, report it to the proper authorities, like park rangers or local officials.
• Support Preservation Efforts: Get involved with local or national organizations that protect historic sites. You can volunteer to help clean up or care for these areas.

By earning the Archaeology merit badge, Scouts can become protectors of the past. Understanding why preservation matters helps everyone respect and protect our shared history.

Understanding History Through Artifacts: Completing an Archaeology Merit Badge Requirement

For the Archaeology merit badge, Scouts must complete one of three activities to understand how artifacts help us learn about history. Here are the options and what Scouts can learn from each.

Visit a Museum

Visiting a museum gives you a chance to see how artifacts tell the story of past cultures. Items like tools, pottery, or clothing help us understand how people lived, what they valued, and how they solved everyday problems. As you look at the displays, think about how each artifact helps explain history. Museums carefully present artifacts with information about where they were found and what they tell us about the past. This shows how archaeologists use objects to teach us about ancient people.

Present a Family Artifact

If your family has an heirloom or special object, you can present it to your counselor and talk about its history. It might be an old piece of jewelry, a photo, or a tool passed down through generations. By discussing its story, you can see how even items from our own lives help tell the history of a family. This exercise shows how archaeologists do the same thing when they study artifacts from different cultures.

Study Your Family’s Trash

Another option is to make a list of everything your family throws out during one week. Imagine archaeologists finding your trash 1,000 years from now. What would they learn about how your family lived? They might notice the types of food you eat, what products you use, or even how you celebrate holidays. This activity helps Scouts understand how small everyday items, even trash, can tell a bigger story about people’s lives.

These activities help Scouts completing the Archaeology merit badge see how artifacts, whether ancient or modern, are key to learning about the past.

Learning About People Who Lived in Your Area for the Archaeology Merit Badge

For the Archaeology merit badge, Scouts research a group of people who lived in their area more than 100 years ago.

This is just an example, but Scouts should look for information about the specific groups from their own region. By studying these people’s way of life, Scouts can understand what archaeologists might find at a site where they lived and how these people influenced modern communities.

Example: The Ancestral Puebloans

In the southwestern United States, a group called the Ancestral Puebloans (also known as the Anasazi) lived over 100 years ago. Their way of life included:

• Housing: They built homes in cliffs and on mesas using stone, mud, and wood. Their cliff dwellings are still visible today in places like Mesa Verde.
• Clothing: They made clothes from cotton and animal hides. These clothes were woven for everyday use, reflecting the resources available in their region.
• Arts and Crafts: Known for their pottery, they made beautiful and functional items decorated with geometric designs.
• Tools: They crafted tools from stone, bone, and wood, used for farming, hunting, and building.
• Trade and Markets: The Ancestral Puebloans traded with other groups for items like turquoise, shells, and crops.
• Rituals and Religion: Religious ceremonies were held in underground rooms called kivas. They honored ancestors and nature in their rituals.
• Diet: They farmed crops like corn, beans, and squash, and hunted animals such as deer and rabbits.

What You Might Find at an Archaeological Site

At a site where the Ancestral Puebloans lived, archaeologists might find pottery pieces, stone tools, food storage pits, and remains of their homes. They could also discover ceremonial kivas or other items used in religious practices.

How They Influenced Modern Communities

Modern Pueblo people, such as the Hopi, trace their heritage to the Ancestral Puebloans. Many traditions, art styles, and farming methods have been passed down through the centuries. Studying these ancient groups helps us understand how people lived sustainably and connected with their environment.

Finding Information About a Group in Your Area

To complete this part of the Archaeology merit badge, you should research the history of the area where you live. Start by visiting your local library, historical society, or talking to a local archaeologist. You can also search online for information about Native American tribes or early settlers from your region. Many areas have museums or historical sites where you can learn more about the people who lived there long ago.

By researching a group from your area, you’ll discover how the past connects to the present and how archaeology helps us understand those connections.

Careers in Archaeology for the Archaeology Merit Badge

When earning the Archaeology merit badge, Scouts learn about various career opportunities. Here are some careers in archaeology and related fields:

• Field Archaeologist: Field archaeologists work at dig sites to uncover artifacts and study ancient cultures. They spend time excavating, recording, and analyzing objects to learn about the past.
• Archaeological Lab Technician: Lab technicians analyze artifacts found in the field. They clean, catalog, and preserve items for further study or museum displays.
• Cultural Resource Manager: Cultural resource managers help protect and manage archaeological sites. They ensure that construction or development projects do not harm important historical locations.
• Museum Curator: Museum curators are responsible for displaying and interpreting archaeological finds for the public. They design exhibits and educate visitors about ancient cultures.
• Conservation Specialist: Conservation specialists focus on preserving artifacts, both in labs and at archaeological sites. They use scientific methods to protect items from decay or damage.
• Archaeological Educator/Professor: Archaeological educators teach students about archaeology at schools and universities. They may also conduct research and publish their findings in academic journals.
• Historical Archaeologist: Historical archaeologists study more recent time periods, often working with written records. They explore how people lived during colonial times or other historical eras.
• Environmental Archaeologist: Environmental archaeologists study how ancient people interacted with their environments. They analyze things like soil samples and plant remains to understand how societies adapted to their surroundings.
• Geoarchaeologist: Geoarchaeologists combine geology and archaeology to study ancient landscapes. They help determine how natural forces like rivers and erosion affected human settlements.
• Forensic Archaeologist: Forensic archaeologists assist in solving modern crimes by analyzing human remains and other evidence. They often work with law enforcement agencies to uncover details about unidentified individuals or crime scenes.

By exploring these careers as part of the Archaeology merit badge, Scouts can find a path that matches their interests in history and archaeology.

Participating in an Archaeological Project for the Archaeology Merit Badge

For the Archaeology merit badge, Scouts can choose between two hands-on options to learn about archaeology in action. These experiences give Scouts a chance to understand how archaeologists work and follow the steps of archaeological inquiry.

Assist a Qualified Archaeologist

With permission from your parent or guardian and your counselor, you can spend at least eight hours helping a professional archaeologist on a real project. Projects may involve activities like site surveys, excavation, or working in a lab to analyze artifacts. While assisting, you will learn how archaeologists follow safety procedures, carefully dig or stabilize sites, and document what they find.

For example, if you help with an excavation, you might assist in carefully removing soil, identifying artifacts, and recording where they are found. You will see the steps archaeologists take to form questions, gather data, and interpret their findings. This hands-on experience will teach you the importance of each step in archaeological research and how to preserve history.

Take Part in a Simulated Archaeological Project

If working at a real archaeological site isn’t possible, you can take part in a simulated archaeological project. A qualified archaeologist or teacher can set up a mock dig site with artifacts and features to analyze. Using the steps of archaeological inquiry, you’ll examine the site, record what you find, and think about what it reveals about the past.

During the simulation, you’ll document where artifacts are located and how they relate to each other. This helps archaeologists understand the history of a site. Afterward, you’ll explain how the environment and the passage of time can affect artifacts. For example, weather conditions, soil movement, and decay can change how objects look or where they are found. You’ll also practice how to share your findings with other researchers or the public, which is an important part of archaeology.

By completing either of these activities for the Archaeology merit badge, Scouts learn what it’s like to be an archaeologist and how careful study can unlock the mysteries of the past.

Hands-On Archaeology for the Archaeology Merit Badge

For the Archaeology merit badge, Scouts can complete one of two practical activities. Both options give Scouts a deeper understanding of how archaeologists share their findings or explore ancient skills.

Help Prepare an Archaeological Exhibit

With the guidance of a qualified archaeologist or instructor, you can help create an exhibit that showcases artifacts or archaeological findings. This exhibit could be displayed at a museum, visitor center, school, or another public area.

By working on an exhibit, you will learn how to present archaeological discoveries in a way that educates and engages the public. You might help choose which artifacts to display, write descriptions, or decide how to organize the exhibit to tell a story about the past. This experience teaches you how archaeologists share their findings with others and why it’s important to present artifacts in a way that respects the cultures they come from.

Use Experimental Archaeology to Re-create an Item or Skill

Another option is to use experimental archaeology to re-create an object or practice a skill used by ancient people. This hands-on experiment helps archaeologists understand how tools, pottery, or other items were made and used long ago. For example, you might try making a stone tool, weaving cloth, or creating pottery the way ancient cultures did.

After completing the experiment, write a brief report explaining what you did and what you learned. Your report should describe the process, any challenges you faced, and how successful you were in re-creating the item or skill. Experimental archaeology helps us understand how people lived and worked in the past by trying to do things the way they did.

Both activities for the Archaeology merit badge give Scouts a chance to experience archaeology in action, whether by preparing an exhibit or practicing ancient skills. This helps Scouts appreciate the methods used to preserve and understand history.

What is the Archaeology merit badge about?

The Archaeology merit badge teaches Scouts how archaeologists study past cultures through artifacts and sites. Scouts learn about the tools, methods, and importance of preserving history.

What will I learn while earning the Archaeology merit badge?

You will learn how archaeologists find, study, and protect ancient sites and artifacts. You will also learn about different cultures and how to analyze objects to understand how people lived long ago.

Do I have to go to an archaeological site for the Archaeology merit badge?

You don’t have to visit a real site, but it’s an option. If you can’t visit a site, you can participate in a simulated archaeological project where you analyze artifacts and learn the steps of archaeological inquiry.

What kinds of activities are involved in the Archaeology merit badge?

Activities include helping with a dig or a project, learning about laws that protect sites, visiting museums, or creating an exhibit. You might also recreate ancient tools or crafts as part of experimental archaeology.

What is experimental archaeology in the Archaeology merit badge?

Experimental archaeology means trying to recreate an object or skill from the past. For example, you might make a tool or pottery using ancient methods to understand how people did things long ago.

How can I prepare for a career in archaeology while working on the Archaeology merit badge?

You can learn about different careers in archaeology, like field archaeologists or museum curators. The merit badge teaches you the steps archaeologists follow, which is useful if you want to pursue this field in the future.

Why is it important to protect archaeological sites?

Protecting sites helps preserve history for future generations. When sites are damaged or artifacts are taken, we lose important information about the past. The Archaeology merit badge teaches the importance of protecting these sites.

Can I earn the Archaeology merit badge even if there are no archaeological sites near me?

Yes! You can still earn the Archaeology merit badge by visiting museums, working on a simulated dig, or creating a project about archaeology. There are many ways to learn about archaeology, even if you can’t visit a site.

The Archaeology merit badge is a fun way for Scouts to explore history by learning how people lived in the past. Archaeologists study ancient cultures by looking at the things people left behind, like tools, pottery, and buildings. While earning this badge, Scouts will discover how archaeologists use these artifacts to understand history.

Scouts will also learn the steps of archaeological research, from finding a site to digging, studying, and protecting it. They may help at a real dig site, visit a museum, or take part in a simulated project. By getting hands-on experience, Scouts will see how careful work and research help us learn about ancient cultures.

The Archaeology merit badge also teaches the importance of protecting historical sites and artifacts. Scouts will learn about the laws that preserve these sites and how to be respectful of cultural heritage. Whether they’re studying real or recreated sites, Scouts will gain skills in research, problem-solving, and teamwork.

This badge helps Scouts think about how history connects to the present. By understanding the past, they will gain a deeper appreciation for how people lived and how we can learn from them today.