DIG: An Archaeological Adventure
DIG is an exciting attraction that enables learners to engage with archaeology in a hands-on way. By becoming trainee archaeologists, pupils will learn how we use our discoveries to learn more about life in the past.
Educational Visit to DIG
A school tour at DIG will start with some archaeological training. Pupils will learn more about which materials survive and how archaeologists sort and identify finds from different historical periods. Then, pupils will have a go at digging for themselves on replica excavation sites inside our DIG pits to discover more about the history of York over the past 2000 years.
Workshops
Extend your visit to DIG with our 45-minute workshop sessions, specially designed to spark your pupils’ interest in the past by exploring a variety of fun and interesting themes. Designed with Key Stage 2 in mind, but suitable for all key stages, our learning team are happy to discuss your specific learning aims.
We run a range of hands-on activities in our archaeology-themed workshops so please be advised that the maximum capacity for these workshops is 24 for groups of under 12s and 18 for groups aged 13-18. Workshop pricing can be viewed on our Plan Your Educational Visit page.
Choose from the options below when booking a workshop to complement your DIG visit.
DIG Workshops
Tracks of the Past
Who were the earliest settlers in Yorkshire and why did they come here? Investigate for yourself and follow the tracks of the past through the Stone Ages, Bronze Age and Iron Age. Find out what changed for people living in Britain between the different times. Examine their tools, homes, and even their diets!
Life in a Roman Town
York started life as the Roman fortress of Eboracum in 71 AD. Archaeology gives us an exciting glimpse into what life might have been like back then. Using evidence from the fortress plus the houses and workshops of Roman York, dig in and piece together an idea of how people lived in this bustling town.
Traders, Looters or Settlers?
Why did the Vikings come here and who were they really? Analysing finds, examining tree rings, matching chemical fingerprints and looking through microscopic clues will provide your pupils with the evidence to support their ideas about the Vikings in this fun, interactive workshop, lead by one of our friendly archaeologists.
Ways to Visit DIG
Key Stage 1-3
At DIG, your class will put their enquiry skills to the test. By using scientific thinking to consider objects from our fantastic collection and come up with their own interpretations about life in the past. Pupils will encounter fascinating artefacts from the Roman, Viking, Medieval and Victorian periods, and have a go at unearthing and also identifying finds for themselves.
If you are visiting DIG to support a history topic such as the Romans, Viking or Prehistory, we recommend enhancing your visit to DIG with a workshop.
Key Stage 4-5
DIG introduces students to archaeological remains as an important type of evidence for supporting interpretations of different periods of history. We welcome Key Stage 4 and 5 groups visiting as part of subject-specific topics in Viking or Roman history – please tell us about your learning objectives before booking so that we can advise you on the best activities for your trip.
Home Educators
We welcome Home Educator visits to DIG. Choose to visit as a family and join one of our tour slots throughout the day or, if you’re part of a home educating association, book out a tour slot together for groups with over 15 children. Contact our Reservations Team to discuss your specific requirements for your visit.