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Presenter James MacKenzie visits the Museum of Scotland to find out what an archaeologist’s work involves. An archaeologist, Dr Andy Heald, explains that they find out about the past by digging up objects in houses and settlements. They discuss what objects in the museum reveal about the Vikings. It is obvious what some objects were used for, however others are confusing as parts are often missing or have rotted away.

If there is a sand pit or garden area available in the school, students could bury a selection of objects such as plastic bones, chunks of broken clay, pieces of wood and so on, and participate in an archaeological dig. Students could explore the area using small brushes like a toothbrush.

Once all of the objects have been found, students could work in groups to discuss the items, think what they might be and where they could have come from. Students could use these objects to create their own story and this could be written, shared or role-played. For younger students a part of a story could be given for each object and they could sequence these to form a complete story.