Archaeology for Kids: Uncovering the Mysteries of Our past,25 Activities

Circle Reader

Kids will dig . . . this book.

Colorado Kaleidoscope

Clear and fascinating to read

Courier-News

Attractive volume

Science News

Much more than a run-of-the-mill activity guide.

Today's Librarian

An enjoyable history lesson and science project all in one

Publishers Weekly

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. Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.

Children's Literature

The author begins with a straightforward definition of archaeology: "the science of finding and studying material possessions lost or discarded in the past." He tells readers that they will learn about how archaeologists work, about some significant discoveries, and "do some fun activities." The author, who teaches at the University of Massachusetts, has written a book that will appeal to budding intermediate and middle schools scientists and historians and also their teachers. The connected account of what the science of archaeology is appears on white pages of the text. Activities, which provide readers opportunities to try procedures, are described on orange insets that parallel the other information. Sepia colored photographs, which give a feeling of antiquity to the illustrations, and charts and diagrams extend readers' experiences. Access features include a listing of web sites, glossary, and bibliography. Bibliography entries are keyed as "younger audience" and as adult-level books. Teachers or others working with students should find this helpful. 2001, Chicago Review Press, $14.95. Ages 9 to 14. Reviewer: Carol J. Wolfenbarger

School Library Journal

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 Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.

Missoula Independent

...an enjoyable history lesson and science project all in one.