All worksheets / Archaeology
Edition 2026Active Merit Badge
Archaeology
Official Requirements & Fillable Workbook · 2026 Edition
Archaeology is the study of people through what they left behind — and its first lesson is that context matters more than objects. A pot dug up and pocketed tells you almost nothing; the same pot recorded in place tells you who lived there and when. Requirements 10 and 11 both need a qualified archaeologist, so line that up early.
Key Requirements Covered:
- Archaeological Methods & Dating
- Artifact Analysis & Preservation
- Antiquities Law & Cultural Ethics
- Fieldwork, Digs & Site Protection
15Printable Pages
11Requirements
2021Reqs Revised
What is on the worksheet: Archaeology Requirements
Every requirement for the Archaeology merit badge, word for word as published, with room to write under each one on the printed worksheet.
1What Archaeology Is
Tell what archaeology is and explain to your counselor how it differs or relates to other fields of study such as anthropology, geology, paleontology, and history. Explain how archaeology is different than artifact collecting or treasure hunting.
2The Archaeological Process
Describe the following steps of the archaeological process: site location, development of background research and a research design, site survey and fieldwork, artifact identification and examination, interpretation, preservation, and information sharing.
3Dating Sites and Artifacts
Describe at least two ways in which archaeologists determine the age of sites, structures, or artifacts. Explain what absolute dating and relative dating are.
4Five Archaeological Sites
Learn about a combined total of five archaeological sites located both within and outside the United States.
- a For EACH site you research, point it out on a map and explain how it became known to archaeologists. Describe some of the information about the past that has been found at each site. Explain how the information gained from the study of these sites answers questions that archaeologists are asking and how the information may be important to modern people. Compare the relative ages of the sites you research.
- b Choose ONE of the sites you picked and give a short presentation about your findings to a Cub Scout pack, your Scout troop, your school class, or another group.
5Laws and Organizations
Do the following:
- a Learn about the federal laws and international conventions that protect archaeological sites. Find out if your state, county, or local government has regulations that apply to archaeological or historic sites.
- b Identify a national, international, or local organization that helps to protect archaeological sites.
6Protecting the Past
Do the following:
- a Explain why it is important to protect archaeological sites.
- b Explain what people should do if they think they have found an artifact.
- c Describe the ways in which you can be a protector of the past.
7Artifacts and What They Say
Do ONE of the following and discuss your findings with your counselor:
- a Visit a museum to observe how artifacts aid in conveying history.
- b Present to your counselor a significant family artifact/heirloom and discuss its history.
- c Make a list of the trash your family throws out during one week. Discuss with your counselor what archaeologists might learn about you and your family if they found your trash a thousand years from now.
8People Who Lived Where You Live
Research a group of people who lived in your area more than 100 years ago. Find out about their ways of life, including housing, clothing, arts and crafts, tools, trade and markets, rituals and religions, and diets, and their relationships with other groups of people in the area. Describe what you would expect to find at an archaeological site where these people lived. Explain how these people influenced your current community.
9Careers
Explore careers related to this merit badge. Research one career to learn about the training and education needed, costs, job prospects, salary, job duties, and career advancement. Your research methods may include—with your parent or guardian's permission—an internet or library search, an interview with a professional in the field, or a visit to a location where people in this career work. Discuss with your counselor both your findings and what about this profession might make it an interesting career.
10Fieldwork or a Simulated Dig
Do ONE of the following:
- a With your parent or guardian's and counselor's permission, assist a qualified archaeologist for at least eight hours with a project being worked on. Projects may include surveying, site monitoring, site stabilization, excavation, laboratory analysis, use of digital archaeological technology, or public outreach. Describe your involvement in the project, what you learned about archaeology, and the steps of archaeological inquiry.
- b With your counselor's approval, take part in a simulated archaeological project designed by a qualified archaeologist. The project must include the use of a simulated archaeological site including artifacts and features for the site. Using the steps of archaeological inquiry, analyze the artifacts and features and document the spatial relationships of the artifacts and features at the simulated site.
11An Exhibit or an Experiment
Under the supervision of a qualified archaeologist or instructor, do ONE of the following:
- a Help prepare an archaeological exhibit for display in a museum, visitor center, school, or other public area.
- b Use the methods of experimental archaeology to re-create an item or to practice a skill from the past. Write a brief report explaining the experiment and its results.
Two dates, two different things
Requirements Revision vs. Worksheet Date
Scouting America last revised the Archaeology requirements in 2021. That is the badge, not this sheet — an older year does not mean the worksheet is out of date.
Verbatim Fidelity & Verification
This worksheet was checked against https://www.scouting.org/merit-badges/archaeology/ in Aug 2026 and reproduces the requirements word for word. Both dates are printed on the sheet, so a copy in a binder can always be placed in time.
Requirement text is © Scouting America, reproduced verbatim. The worksheet layout and design are original to this project.
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