Archaeologist

An archaeologist is like a history detective. They dig up old things from the ground—like pots, bones, and tools—to learn about people who lived long ago. By studying these discoveries, archaeologists tell stories about how people in the past lived, worked, and played.

What tools do you use to do your job?

Archaeologists use small shovels, trowels, and brushes to gently clear away dirt without breaking anything important. They also carry measuring tapes, rulers, and cameras to record exactly where each object was found. In the lab, they might use magnifying glasses and computers to study their finds and make maps of ancient sites.

What makes a good archaeologist?

A good archaeologist is patient and careful—digging can take a long time, and one wrong move can damage a priceless find. They need to be curious, always asking questions about how and why people in the past did things. Teamwork is important too, since archaeologists often work with other scientists, volunteers, and even local communities.

What do you do each day?

On a dig day, an archaeologist wakes up early and travels to the site, then spends hours gently digging and brushing away soil. They label each find, sketch its position, and write notes in a field notebook. Back at their workspace, they clean and sort the objects, take photographs, and enter all the information into a computer database. Finally, they may share their discoveries by giving talks, writing reports, or helping make museum displays so everyone can learn about the past.