There’s a very high risk of wildfire in south west and east Scotland from 28 March to 1 June 2026. Please pay attention to local guidance and follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.

Outdoor learning

We encourage people of all ages to be inspired by Scotland’s rich cultural heritage, and by the historic environment all around us. Exploring evidence from our shared past can help us understand the world we live in. We've published a collection of resources, articles and activities to encourage place-based learning.

Outdoor archaeological learning booklet cover

Archaeology is a methodology and a way of thinking that can help piece together clues from our shared past. Through observation and discussion, ideas and theories take shape. Using archaeological recording techniques can be a great way to explore the past. 

Outdoor Archaeological Learning (PDF)

Through discovery, exploration and sharing, young people can develop their critical thinking skills, creativity, confidence and teamwork.

Our booklet, Outdoor Archaeological Learning, is full of great content. It contains advice and guidance supporting a range of activity suggestions, from timelines to graphic stories and cut-out models.

It's all based around the idea of going to visit an archaeological or historic site. It walks you through:

  • recording and discussing it
  • creating an interpretative poster with both factual text and creative drawing and writing

Outdoor Archaeological Learning is intended for anyone taking groups of children to an archaeological site. 

Further learning resources

The Bare Bones The ‘Bone Detectives’ activity puts learners in the role of osteoarchaeologists examining the bones found within a Neolithic chambered cairn.
To Build a Broch Step back in time to imagine the construction of a broch in stone and timber, and ask yourself what it meant to build a broch.
Into the Wildwoods Explore the world of the wild harvesters, living within the wildwoods of Scotland over six thousand years ago.
The First Foresters This beautifully illustrated booklet links today’s native woodlands, the ancient wildwood of the past and the Neolithic pioneers who ventured into it.
The Dun Deardail project The vitrified hillfort of Dun Deardail was built in the shadow of Ben Nevis around 2500 years ago and was eventually destroyed in a catastrophic fire.