Science is based on observation and inference. Any phenomenon being studied must first be observed, whether it is from a satellite or through a microscope. An inference is a reason proposed to explain an observation. The hypothesis is a chosen inference that the scientist will attempt to confirm or disprove through testing.

Site: a place where human activities occurred and material evidence of those activities was left.

Artifact: any object made, modified, or used by humans; usually this term refers to a portable item.

Observation: the act of recognizing or noting a fact or occurrence; or the record obtained by such an act.

Data: information, especially information organized for analysis.

Inference: a conclusion derived from observations.

Hypothesis: a proposed explanation or interpretation that can be tested by further investigation.

Archaeologists use observation and inference to learn the story of past people. By making observations about objects (artifacts and sites) they infer the behavior of the people who used the objects. When archaeologists find the remains of a Native American Tribe (observation), they could infer that the people were farmers. To test that inference (hypothesis), they would look for evidence of farming, such as farming implements (like tools) and food remains from crops (like corn cobs and squash seeds). If they find these things, their hypothesis is verified. Archaeologists construct careful hypotheses when making inferences from archaeological data.

Observation and Analysis:

•   Write down a brief description of the artifact (shape, color, other characteristics):
•   What is it made of (Materials Used)?
•   Height _____ Width______
•   Who do you think made the artifact (Culture)?
•   Is there anything distinguishing about the artifact that might give you clues about the culture it came from?
•   What is the approximate age of the artifact?
•   What do you think was the purpose of this artifact?
•   What other objects might be found with or near this artifact? What other objects might be used with it?

Using the images on the back of this page(the images are also posted on the blog) as a reference point in formatting your drawing, construct a drawing based upon one object recorded at different times. Each of these mini drawings should be formatted so each angle/time is within its own unit of structure.  Each unit will have the same object as the subject matter, but be based upon a different vantage point, time of day, light situation, etc.  Each of these units should be a drawing based upon observation and the approaches we have discussed and developed up to this point in class.

Some things to consider:

• Choose an object that is of interest to you based upon what it could potentially mean or imply.
• Choose an object that lends itself to changing, be it through light, motion, activity level, how you can view it, etc.
• Choose an object that stimulates your imagination.
• Choose an object that lends itself to the techniques we have been discussing in this class.
• Choose one hypothesis (or two) and work with those thoughts and ideas.
• Incorporate patterns or designs that are consistent with your culture and time period.
• Use black and white.  One other color maybe used for accent.

Starting with your sketchbook draw a minimum of twelve units formatted in someway. Think about the way the media is used and if the type of media you use changes how the object is viewed.  Is the media consistent with the ideas you want to convey in this drawing? The final drawing should be on the 18” x 24” drawing paper in the media of your choice.  Try to use as much of the paper as possible.  If necessary when the drawing is complete, cut the paper to fit the units so the composition looks as if it was intentional and not a haphazard result.