We began this semester, with our advanced research students (aka CAPS-SYP), exploring the analogy of archaeology and artifacts as a great metaphor for research. We co-opted the language and process of archaeology  - mapping the dig site with a grid, excavations and the variety of tools used, and ultimately calling all discoveries (on the research dig) artifacts.

It's working.

This hunch is working. The students are getting it and are not afraid of the language/process of research. With this archaeology metaphor, research is now a fun and messy mystery to be solved. There are artifacts to find and stories to tell about them.

Here's the slide show we used to start the process.

https://docs.google.com/presentation/pub?id=1kiVBxzWC-EAPfJpiJvs3sleH8W34FJamU3uJy6gZ4e4&start=true&loop=true&delayms=3000


Stanford's Design School says, "research should be seen as a creative act as much as it is analytical."