UrbNet, in collaboration with the Danish NGO Videnskabsklubben, has developed an innovative archaeological outreach programme aimed at schoolchildren. This unique initiative, which involves high school students guiding younger children through a series of archaeological activities, has now gained international attention. In the latest issue of Current World Archaeology, Centre Director Rubina Raja and project-coordinator Julia Steding discuss the programme and its impact. You can read the full article here.

The programme, designed for children aged 10-12, offers a hands-on introduction to archaeology. What sets it apart is the involvement of high school students, who, after training by university researchers, mentor the younger participants through a seven-week course. Rather than focusing on memorizing historical facts, the programme emphasizes the questions archaeologists ask and the methods they use to find answers. Through engaging activities, children explore topics such as ancient diets using zooarchaeological and archaeobotanical techniques, and past climates through the study of tree rings and ice cores. The programme encourages critical thinking and the formulation of hypotheses, providing a learning experience that mirrors actual archaeological research. Activities are structured around major research questions and emphasize exploration based on evidence.

To learn more about the programme, visit here or here. You can also find more information about Videnskabsklubben here.