Ch. 2 Messages From the Past Key Terms

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Artifact

Back

Any object made, used, or altered by humans

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Hypothesis

Back

An assumption, educated guess, or theory

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Archaeologist

Back

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

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Primary Source

Back

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

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Perspective

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The way a person sees and understands the world

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Oral History

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

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Petroglyph

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A rock carving made by people

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Scientific Method

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

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Elder

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

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Secondary Source

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