Synergy: Celebrating Archaeology

ARCHAEOLOGY is the study of material remains in order to understand past human life and activities. Archaeologists gain insights into human prehistory and history through the excavation of sites and analysis of physical remains including artifacts.

To understand a concept, it’s useful to read a cluster of books related to a theme. Explore these recently published books for young people:

DIG IT! ARCHAEOLOGY FOR KIDS written by Caitlin Sockin introduces young readers to the discipline of archaeology including the history of archaeological discoveries, steps in conducting a dig, kinds of artifacts found, and the types of archaeologists. This highly illustrated book includes amazing photographs and QR codes to learn more. Readers will particularly enjoy learning about the work of archaeologists and trying out hands-on activities. ARC courtesy of Persnickety Press.

WE DUG UP THE WORLD: UNEARTH AMAZING ARCHAEOLOGY DISCOVERIES written by Alexandra Stewart explores archaeological finds from around the world through history. This beautifully illustrated picture book features eighteen fascinating digs. Each two-page spread highlights aspects of the dig site and the key archeological findings. ARC courtesy of Laurence King Publishing, an imprint of Chronicle Books.

DIG DEEP: CONNECTING ARCHAEOLOGY, OCEANS AND US written by Nicole F. Smith shares examples of marine archaeology to middle grade readers. Of particular note are the many photographs showing archaeologists and youth scientists at work and examples connecting the discoveries to healthier oceans and the future. ARC courtesy of Orca Book Publishers.

Book Review: The Secrets of Tutankhamun

THE SECRETS OF TUTANKHAMUN by Patricia Cleveland-Peck tells the story of King Tut and how archaeologists drew conclusions from historical evidence.

This appealing informational picture book is told in three parts. After introducing the key people, the first section of the book takes readers back to Ancient Egypt, the second section explores the archaeological discoveries surrounding King Tut, and the final section speculates on current and future discoveries.

Librarians will find this visually attractive work of nonfiction appeals to a broad audience. By including information about the science of mummification along with the history and archaeology, the book easily crosses multiple interest and curriculum areas.

Published by Bloomsbury on August 21, 2018. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: The Whydah

THE WHYDAH: A PIRATE SHIP FEARED, WRECKED, and FOUND by Martin W. Sandler pieces together the true story of a pirate ship discovered by marine archaeologists in the 1980s.

During the age of piracy, now famous pirates like Blackbeard and Black Sam Bellamy sailed the Atlantic in search of treasure. In 1717, a pirate ship called the Whydah wrecked off Cape Cod only to be found in 1984 by marine archaeologists. Sandler tells the exciting story of what researchers have learned from this amazing pirate ship. Readers learn about how this slave ship was transformed into a ship used by pirates almost 300 years ago. The author incorporates legends and survivor stories to add to the mystery surrounding the ship. Primary source materials are woven into the story along with short descriptions that provide historical insights.

Librarians will find the combination of pirates, shipwrecks, and history to be appealing to both middle grade and older students. Connect this book with other activities occurring during the age of piracy. This book would be useful for reluctant readers seeking an engaging research topic.

Published by Candlewick on March 14, 2017. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Website Review: Nautilus Live

NAUTILUS LIVE is a live ocean exploration project.

Follow Dr. Robert Ballard and the Corps of Exploration as they explore the world’s oceans. The Expedition section focuses on the current ocean exploration and mission. It contains hands-on ideas for educators along with text, photos, and video. The Photos & Videos section features photo galleries and short video segments. The Tech area shares information about the ship and the Section area contains information about marine science including biology, geology, and archaeology. The News area shares articles about current activities. The Live section allows users to watch the ship’s activities live.

Librarian will find this project an excellent way to connect the school’s curriculum with real-world STEM activities. Set up a bulletin board in the library and a station to track the expedition’s progress.

To visit the website, go to http://www.nautiluslive.org/.

Website Review: The Chauvet-Pont D-Arc Cave

THE CHAUVET-PONT D’ARC CAVE website explores a 36,000 year old archaeological site in France.

Users begin with a virtual tour of the original cave. The 360 degree exploration includes clickable areas for further investigation of each hall. The information boxes include photographs, diagrams, maps, and other information. The video section provides access to a series of short chips taken inside the cave.

After the introduction, the website is organized into four chapters. The Discover the Cave section allows users to zoom-in on cave drawings, learn about the location, explore the human presence, examine research, and learn about the history of the cave. The Cave Replica explores the cavern, the grand project, and the scientific and artistic restitution elements. The Other Perspectives section features people associated with the cave. The Resources section includes a media library, links, bibliography, and a glossary. The website also includes a map.

Librarians will find this website to be a fascinating way to help youth learn about early world history and archaeology.

To visit the website, go to http://archeologie.culture.fr/chauvet/en/.

Website Review: Ology

The OLOGY website has been providing engaging science activities for youth for over 15 years.

Sponsored by the American Museum of Natural History, the web-based learning environment explores fourteen different topics including anthropology, archaeology, astronomy, biodiversity, brain, climate change, earth, genetics, marine biology, microbiology, paleontology, physics, water, and zoology.

Users can complete dozens of activities including games, stories, hands-on activities, and videos. By registering at the website, students can collect Ology cards hidden throughout the project.

The Ology for Educators section provides free, research based curriculum materials connected with Earth, life, and physical science content for K-12 students.

Librarians will find this amazing website to be an excellent opportunity to immerse youth in science. Use the website in a learning center focusing on one of the ology topics. Include books and materials in the station to support the hands-on activities. Change topics every couple weeks for a year-long science experience in your library.

To visit the website, go to http://www.amnh.org/explore/ology.