How To Do Archaeology – For Kids! (Online Course)

Free
archaeology weekends

Got kids who love archaeology?

This online course is for all the youngsters who love digging in the dirt and want to be an archaeologist when they grow up!

Suitable for: Families with children aged 8-15

Become DigVentures Family Subscriber to gain unlimited, anytime access!

Become a Subscriber to start course

Love history? Want to learn how to uncover the past? DigVentures is here to show you how! This brand-new online course is taught by real archaeologists, with help from our very own Junior Archaeologist, Rosie.

Together, we’ll reveal how archaeologists dig, what we look for, and what happens to our discoveries. We’ll also explore some of the most famous archaeological sites in the world, and meet a few of our FAVOURITE archaeologists.

You’ll also get to learn what it’s REALLY like to be an archaeologist, find out how to dig your own Test Pit, practice your archaeological skills at home, and get some top tips on what else you can do to make your dream of becoming an archaeologist come true.

Core knowledge

In this course, you will:

  • Find out what archaeology is, and what archaeology isn’t
  • ‘Visit’ some of the most famous archaeological sites in the world
  • ‘Meet’ some of our favourite archaeologists
  • Learn to spot the archaeology that’s hidden all around you
  • Find out how archaeologists know where to look
  • Learn to dig (and what to do before you start)
  • See what archaeologists do when they find something

How does it work?

This online course has five chapters. To get started, just become a DigVentures Family Subscriber. You can do each chapter in bite-sized chunks, or you can storm ahead and do it in one whopper weekend sitting – whichever you prefer!

At the end of each chapter, you’ll be able to prove your newfound knowledge in a quick quiz. And when you finish the course, there’ll be a certificate waiting for you.

Need to take a break? That’s ok too. You’ll continue to have access to the course for as long as you’re a Subscriber, so you can complete it at your own pace.

Course chapters

There are five chapters, taking you from what archaeology is and some of the best discoveries ever made, to how to excavate and become an archaeologist!

Chapter 1 - First steps

Can’t wait to get started? Neither can we! In Chapter 1, we introduce the idea of archaeology. What is archaeology? And what is NOT archaeology? Then, we visit some of the most famous archaeological sites in the world, and meet some famous archaeologists too.

Chapter 2 - Let's get digging!

Now that we know what archaeology is, we’re ready to talk about why it matters. From climate change to where we live now, the past can teach us a LOT about the way things are today.

We also reveal how archaeologists know where to look, what we need to consider before we can start digging, and when archaeologists should decide NOT to dig and to leave something alone.

Chapter 3 - Recognising archaeology

Archaeology is not just about finding artefacts, objects and treasures. In this chapter, we reveal the things that archaeologists actually look for, and how you can spot them. We also show you how to draw archaeology, and how to share your discoveries with other people.

Chapter 4 - Fabulous finds

What do you do when you find something? In this chapter, we show you what real archaeologists do when they discover an object or artefact, and how to figure out what it is.

Chapter 5 - Go get 'em!

Want to become an archaeologist? It’s time to see how much you’ve learned! In this chapter, we recap on some of the most important points, and reveal how you can become an archaeologist.

There are plenty of ways you can do archaeology right now, and all sorts of different things you can specialise in – bones, pottery, underwater archaeology and even space archaeology!

By the end, you'll be an archaeology whizz. You'll know the golden rules of archaeology, have seen some of the most amazing sites in the world, and be able to name some really famous archaeologists.

FAQs

Will I get a certificate?

Yes, at the end of the course, you’ll be able to download a certificate that you can print and put on the wall!

How does it work?

Once you buy the course, we will send you a weekly email reminding you to complete the next chapter.

Your child can work through the material at their own pace, and if you miss a week, you can always go back and catch up.

How does my child login?

We will create an account using the email address you provide at checkout, which you can use to login with your child. i.e., your child will login using your email address. You will be able to re-set the password to whatever you like.

Can I join the course after it has started?

Yes, you can join the course for up to three weeks after it starts. We’ll drop you in at the same point as everyone else, but you’ll also be able to rewind and start from the beginning.

How long can we access the course for?

You will have access to the course until 30 August 2020.

To get unlimited, anytime access, you can upgrade by becoming a DigVentures Family Subscriber for £5pm.

What will children learn?

This course will help children understand:

1. what archaeologists study and how they study it
2. that archaeology isn’t like the movies, and will understand a variety of ethical considerations that must be made before we dig
3. the steps archaeologists take to excavate and will be able to dig a basic test pit and identify commonly found materials, i.e ceramic, brick, metallic objects, bone etc
4. the basics of how a dig goes from an idea to an excavation
5. that completing this course does not make them an archaeologist! But they will understand which routes they can take to become an archaeologist in the future, and what they can do now to gain more experience