A teacher and a group of students take a field trip to an Indian mound to examine artifacts. This activity most closely fits under which branch of the social sciences?

The activity of examining artifacts at an Indian mound aligns most closely with anthropology, which is the study of humans, their societies, and cultural artifacts. Anthropology seeks to understand the development of human beings and their cultures through both material and non-material means. By exploring artifacts found at an Indian mound, the students are engaging in the anthropological study of past societies, including their customs, practices, and social structures.

This hands-on experience allows students to connect with the past and understand how these artifacts provide insights into the lives and traditions of Native American cultures. Anthropology encompasses various subfields, including archaeology, which specifically focuses on studying human history and prehistory through excavation and analysis of artifacts, structures, and landscapes.