archaeology (ar-kee-AH-luh-jihst). n. study of human history, based on material remains. (National Geographic Education)
Archaeology uses human remains to describe our past. Throughout human civilization, few societies have left us with consistent written or oral histories of their time. Many societies have all but disappeared, with few traces of their existence remaining. In order to learn more about these people, we rely on archaeologists, who find and explain the objects and other artifacts that people created and used in their daily lives.
Watch in the video below as Fred Hiebert, a National Geographic Fellow, gives an overview of the work of a professional archaeologist to a group of second graders:
From the famous archaeological ruins of Machu Picchu, to remains in the deserts of Saudi Arabia, and on to discoveries in the underwater caves of the Yucatan Peninsula, archaeology can take place anywhere on the planet where humans have lived.
In order to keep up with all of the exciting archaeological finds
throughout the world, National Geographic maintains a consistent stream
of archaeological information in a category on our news site called
“Ancient World News“.
Using this information, along with National Geographic Education’s
in-depth article about archaeology,
and multimedia resources such as the interactive Indiana Jones
Exhibition activity created by the National Geographic Museum, teachers can
develop lessons to teach their students about the field of archaeology
and some of its most important achievements.
Some people may claim that the age of exploration has passed, and there
is nothing left to discover in archaeology–we have dug up all there is
to find. Our newest class of National Geographic Emerging Explorers,
however, would have to disagree. Included in the group of fifteen
scientists, adventurers, and educators are four full-time
archaeologists. Check out there profiles to learn about each of them:
- Guillermo de Anda, Underwater Archaeologist
- Daniel Torres Etayo, Archaeologist
- Sarah Parcak, Archaeologist
- Jeffrey Rose, Archaeologist
Interested in learning more about archaeology? Remember to check out
National Geographic Education’s Encyclopedic Entry on the subject,
which includes vocabulary, multimedia, and more resources related to
this evolving science.
Resources:
NG Kids Interview with Fred Hiebert