Introducing children to archaeology

Abstract

This paper introduces a case study from Oslo, Norway, where two outreach programmes aimed at local children have been carried out by the Norwegian Institute for Cultural Heritage Research (NIKU) as part of development-led archaeological investigations relating to the construction of the new Medieval Park (Middelalderparken). The first programme involved inviting younger children from four local kindergartens to site, whereas the second programme involved archaeologists visiting fourth graders at school. Both programmes had a clear pedagogical element at their core. The programmes are discussed in relation to both previous work we have done with children, and to the broader literature on archaeology, history, and education.