This project aims to equip an archaeology laboratory for undergraduate teaching at Carleton College. 50 students will use this laboratory each year, in two archaeology classes, in conjunction with field programs, and for independent student research in association with a new interdisciplinary archaeology program. A space for the laboratory has already been approved and many pieces of equipment either have been donated to the laboratory or can be borrowed from existing programs at Carleton. The major equipment requested in this grant include the materials necessary to build two artificial archaeological sites in the lab and the computer equipment and software needed by students to analyze archaeological materials and sites. By using the modern computer-assisted-design (CAD) capabilities of the computer and its accessories, as well as other software, students can integrate all facets of practical archaeology, from curating and drawing artifacts, to generating site plans, topographic maps, and sections, to interpreting patterns of ancient settlements. There are no comparable facilities on the Carleton campus for these purposes.
