Archaeology for kids Uncovering the mysteries of our past : 25 activities

Gr. 5-8. In his introduction, Panchyk (who has taught college-level archaeology) invites children to survey their surroundings and consider what becomes of material possessions and how they reveal the past. He continues with the gripping story of Howard Carter's search for Tutankhamen, which demonstrates many aspects of an archaeologist's work, including the ever-present need for funding. Panchyk explains things clearly and vividly, first laying out the eight steps of archaeology, including research, surveying, excavation, and preservation. He then highlights archaeological history, from earliest man to events such as the Civil War. Illustrations are plentiful, and suggested activities are practical and illuminate the subject matter well. Panchyk rarely reminds children that new discoveries are constantly reshaping knowledge, but his well-designed, well-written text will still be a fine addition to most collections. A glossary and a bibliography are appended. --Susan Dove Lempke

Readers can analyze soil, make an oil lamp like those used by the Greeks and Romans, and emulate the work of Mary Leakey, who estimated the height of ancient animals by examining fossilized footprints in Archaeology for Kids: Uncovering the Mysteries of Our Past by Richard Panchyk. Each chapter offers an overview of a historical epoch then describes the pioneering efforts of archeologists who, in later years, worked to uncover the period. (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

Gr 5-9-In a comprehensible, often-conversational text well larded with small photos, engravings, and diagrams, Panchyk presents an introductory overview of the field, including methodology, a basic run-through of eras, information boxes on interesting sidelights, and activities perfect for classroom reinforcement. Not an in-depth source by any means, this survey will be useful to students intrigued by the science of uncovering the past or merely looking for another source for report material. For the teacher looking for resources to create an archaeology curriculum, or to spice up an ancient history unit already in place, it will be valuable. In the hands of enthusiastic adults, and combined with other less textbookish works, such as W. John Hackwell's Digging to the Past (Scribner's 1986; o.p.), Michael Avi-Yonah's Dig This! How Archaeologists Uncover Our Past (Runestone, 1993), or Xavier Hern ndez's handsome Lebek: A City of Northern Europe through the Ages (Houghton, 1991; o.p.), it may open a wide window on the pageant of human history stretching behind our present.-Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.