Ch. 2 Messages From the Past Key Terms

Front

Any object made, used, or altered (changed) by humans

Back

artifact

Front

An assumption, educated guess, or theory

Back

hypothesis

Front

A scientist who studies past human life and activities by examining physical evidence such as tools, fire pits, and ruins from dwellings

Back

archaeologist

Front

An actual item that has survived from the past, such as a letter, photo, tool, or article of clothing

Back

primary source

Front

The way a person sees and understands the world

Back

perspective

Front

The purposeful retelling of stories about the past events and legends of a group in order to teach about that group’s culture

Back

oral history

Front

A rock carving made by people

Back

petroglyph

Front

A process using experiments and careful observation to test ideas and theories

Back

scientific method

Front

An older member of a community who is respected for his or her knowledge and wisdom

Back

elder

Front

An account created after the fact, often by someone who was not present during a particular event

Back

secondary source