Last week I was talking with a good friend of mine who is a school teacher. She invited me to organise an ‘Archaeology Day’ with her students when the COVID-19 crisis is over (hopefully soon!). Still, as it seems that it will take a while for now to go back to ‘normality’, I have gathered several online lessons, games and ideas to teach schoolers archaeology and have so much fun with them. There are introductions to archaeology, tips to become a (proper!) archaeology detective, colour books, papercrafts, and cooking recipes. There is something for everyone! Especially now, for all of you who need to teach online or for parents who are home-schooling, here are some motivational triggers!
As a brief introduction, the Museum of London Archaeology (MOLA) has created this very short video – less than 2 minutes – explaining what is archaeology:
The British Museum has a wonderful collection of sessions for students 3-6 to 16+ years old that you can explore from home or use them to prepare your archaeology class. Check also their ‘Teaching History in 100 objects’! The Museum created it to support the history curriculum in British schools, but that you can always adapt to your own teaching goals.
You might prefer to work thematically by using The Metropolitan Museum resources. It is a great idea for older children, with whom you can discuss/work on a particular theme that you find interesting/useful across different periods and using different objects.
Creative souls out there and younger children may enjoy Archaeology Scotland, a great online site for archaeology enthusiasts. Get inspired by the past and encourage your students to be Archaeology Detectives! Or follow the advice of the Young Archaeologists’ Club (Council for British Archaeology) and play ancient Egyptian games, learn about Greek clothing, or become an Archaeological iSpy – that is right, archaeology is all about trails!
Children and teens can play Maya games while learning about the Maya and get excited about rock art around the globe – you might want to visit those sites in the future! Through fun and interactive activities you can also explore the ancient Americas and/or ancient China and, if you are into crafts, you can make a Neolithic house!
On that note, if prehistory is your thing, pay a visit to Stonehenge from home and enjoy their prehistoric feasting and festivals. If you prefer the Romans instead, a good option is to explore Roman Leicester in 3D, and – most importantly – learn how to wear a toga!
And if you think the Egyptians are cooler… No problem. Cambridge Archaeology have got you covered! You can also colour ancient Egypt (great resource from my friend Jen Thum!), learn how to write like the Egyptians here or create your own pyramid.
So many things to do! It’s getting late and you are hungry? Check these Islamic recipes whilst you learn about the Early Islamic Civilisation, explore the Vikings’ food or the Incas’ diet & agriculture to become an expert foodie!
BMA