Visit & Virtual Package

A visit from Dr Diane is an inspiring and memorable experience, but there is always so much more to discover about the Maya. To extend learning beyond the workshop, Dr Diane has created a range of follow-up resources that can be used on the day of the visit and throughout the remainder of the topic.

Combining a live school visit with engaging virtual learning, this package enables children to meet and question a real archaeologist, investigate artefacts and take part in historical enquiry activities, while additional videos and lessons further develop their knowledge and understanding of the Maya.

The virtual resources are available to stream on the day of the visit and remain accessible for the rest of the term, giving teachers the flexibility to revisit and reinforce key learning whenever they wish.

The visit and virtual package includes:

1: The Maya, their Rainforest and the Life of an Archaeologist

This engaging and interactive presentation brings the ancient Maya to life through stunning photographs, videos, rainforest sounds and real archaeological discoveries from Guatemala.

Children will discover how archaeologists use artefacts and other clues to uncover the past, while exploring the extraordinary achievements of the Maya in architecture, art, writing, mathematics, astronomy, calendars and even chocolate.

Drawing on her own archaeological fieldwork, Dr Diane shares what it is really like to excavate ancient Maya sites deep within the rainforest, introducing pupils to the wildlife, challenges and adventures of life on an expedition.

Many of these real-life experiences have also inspired her children’s book, The Adventures of a Maya Archaeologist: Snakes, Scorpions and Jungle Discoveries, allowing children to continue the adventure beyond the workshop.

Pupils will also learn about some of Dr Diane’s most exciting discoveries, including the excavation of some of the earliest known Maya murals.

Along the way, common myths and misconceptions are challenged, helping pupils separate fact from fiction and gain a deeper understanding of one of the world’s most fascinating civilisations.

2: Historical Enquiry with Artefacts

Can your pupils think like archaeologists? Working in pairs, children investigate a fascinating collection of Maya artefacts, searching for clues about what the objects are, how they were used and who may have owned them.

Using the same skills employed by real archaeologists, pupils learn how evidence can help us understand the past. At the end of the challenge, Dr Diane tests their detective skills and awards her special Maya Expert Badge to the child or children who show outstanding archaeological expertise.

3. Virtual Video: Historical Enquiry with Maya Artefacts

During a school visit, there is only time to investigate a selection of the artefacts in detail. This resource allows children to revisit the entire collection at their own pace, giving them the opportunity to explore each object more closely and answer questions about its purpose, materials and use.

To deepen understanding, Dr Diane provides explanations for every artefact in the collection, not just those discussed during the workshop. This helps reinforce historical enquiry skills and consolidates learning long after the visit has ended.

Teachers also receive a digital copy of the artefact collection, providing a valuable resource for future lessons, classroom activities and topic planning.

4. Virtual Video: Maya Maths Activity

Children will discover how the fascinating Maya number system works, from simple numbers under 20 to much larger values in the hundreds and beyond. Dr Diane explains the system step by step before challenging pupils with a range of activities and puzzles to test their understanding.

Pupils will then learn how the Maya used their number system for addition and subtraction through worked examples, quizzes and practical exercises. Finally, they will put their new skills to the test by deciphering and solving calculations taken from an ancient Maya codex (book), just as a Maya scribe might have done hundreds of years ago.

5. Virtual Video: The Maya Calendars

Children will explore the fascinating Maya calendar system, including the sacred calendar, the solar calendar and the 52-year Calendar Round. Using Dr Diane’s specially designed Maya calendar resource, pupils will create their own calendar to keep and learn how the Maya measured time.

They will discover how to calculate today’s Maya date and work out dates in the future, just as Maya astronomers and priests once did. Finally, using their own birth date, children will identify their Maya spirit companion and learn about its special meaning within Maya culture.

6. Take the Adventure Home

Many of the stories, discoveries and experiences shared during Dr Diane’s workshops have inspired her new children’s book, The Adventures of a Maya Archaeologist: Snakes, Scorpions and Jungle Discoveries.

Set in the Guatemalan rainforest and based on real archaeological fieldwork, it allows young readers to experience the excitement, challenges and discoveries of a Maya expedition for themselves.

Schools are also welcome to pre-order copies of the book ahead of the visit, allowing Dr Diane to personally sign them for pupils and staff. Signed copies provide a memorable souvenir of the workshop and a lasting connection to the adventure.