Kids Digging into Archaeology

This website acts in conjunction to the children's magazine "Dig." It uses brightly colored tabs and large, fun styles of text to attract children. Different strategies it includes in to spread knowledge of archaeology to young people are getting the kids involved by sending letters or colorful drawings which are published in the magazine, numerous short quizzes, a place where questions can be asked, and an archaeological glossary. In addition, it provides children with archaeological events, programs  camps, museum exhibits, and educational activities in a state-by-state list throughout the country.

Although this magazine and website do a good job educating kids on many topics of archaeology, the title illustrates a common misconception of archaeology. Archaeology is not all about digging, as this site makes it seem. It is also about cleaning, measuring, and recording data, and mostly about the analysis in order to answer a research question.

On the other hand, the word "dig" might make children more inclined to read this website or magazine. Although these include stereotypical archaeologist facts, it will probably capture children's attention better than the actuality of the job. Is okay to over simplify archaeology in order to hold the readers' attention?

http://www.digonsite.com/

Watch out National Geographic

From the Creators of Archaeology Magazine

November/December Issue of
Archaeology Magazine

Archaeology.org was created by the Archaeological Institution of America (AIA), who also publish Archaeology Magazine. One of the goals of the AIA is to encourage public interest in archaeology.  This website allows interested web browsers to subscribe to this magazine, which earns the AIA money, but also encourages public interest. It contains many outside resources that encourage the viewer to learn more about the field of archaeology, including events, archaeological scholarships, AIA conferences, and exhibitions. The magazine updates the public about archaeology, while keeping them entertained with the content and the beautiful pictures, comparable to National Geographic. 

Instead of flipping through a million magazines in search of a specific topic, the website provides a search bar to search articles. This is a good tool for research or just finding information on topics of interest.

This website contains a unique section named 

“Interactive Dig.” It allows the viewer to search excavations, view pictures of archaeologists at work, and even access the archaeological field notes! Overall, the AIA does a good job trying to spread an interest in archaeology and mixing entertainment with facts.

http://archaeology.org/

Think Archaeology is Dry? Think again!

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This website from the French Department of Underwater Archaeological Research explores what archaeology below sea level is like. It not only details underwater excavations and the history behind the sites but also the history of this branch of the discipline. It introduces enthusiasts, new and old to terms and techniques relating to archaeology they might not have learned elsewhere. The site even gives an in depth look into one of the most interesting underwater archaeological site, the Cosquer Cave. This cave is only accessible through an underwater tunnel that contains many paintings and engravings from tens of thousands of years ago. Comprehensibly presented and visually stimulating, this site combines good graphics and detailed description to provide web browsers an exciting introduction to the field of aquatic archaeology!

I found this website by browsing stumbleupon for “archaeology” and I’m glad I did! The information presented, while somewhat crudely translated is interesting and easy to be curious about! It’s obscure enough that I have zero prior knowledge but unlike many instances with the discipline of archaeology, that isn’t a problem here.  While the information is limited and sometimes strangely worded, brief summaries are as in depth as the articles go, it is all still pertinent and attention grabbing. My favorite thing about this site is probably the layout. It captures your attention right at first and makes you feel like you’re really interacting with the page which is always a plus. 

http://www.culture.gouv.fr/culture/archeosm/en/