Grade 5 First Peoples of Nova Scotia
Program Terminology
Here are some terms we hope you will introduce to your class before taking part in the grade five program. Understanding the meaning of these words will help the students prepare for and enjoy their visit to the Museum of Natural History.
Archaeology: The study of ancient people, including what they made, used, and left behind (such as buildings, tools, bones, etc.).
Archaeological excavation (dig): The identification, exposure, processing, and recording of areas that are important to a culture and/or historical event.
Artifact: An object that comes from a human, animal, plant, etc. that is important to a culture and/or historical event.
Authentic artifact: An artifact that is the “real thing”, such as an amethyst, bear claw, or ash basket.
Modernly produced artifact: An object that is produced by modern methods but is made out of the same materials as an authentic artifact.
Reproduced artifact: An artifact that looks like an authentic artifact but is made out of different materials, such as paper or plastic.
Basic needs: The things that we need to maintain our physical and mental health, such as food, water, shelter, etc.
Mi’kmaq: The first people to inhabit Nova Scotia. The Mi’kmaq live throughout present-day Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland.
Oral history: A way of recording history, culture, and legends through storytelling, songs, and lessons.
Specimen: An object (such as an animal, plant, rock, or mineral) that we can use to learn about our world.
Timeline: A way to visually demonstrate different time periods in relation to each other.
Grade 5 Program Terminology [PDF 44 KB]