For Schools Worldwide

All of Dr Diane’s virtual workshops, teacher training sessions and live Q&A sessions are available to schools around the world, so your students can take part in the same engaging experiences enjoyed by schools in the UK.

Through a flexible combination of pre-recorded presentations and live online Q&A sessions, schools can enjoy an exciting workshop on the ancient Maya or a meet-the-author session regardless of location or time zone.

A Global Perspective

International education has played an important role throughout Dr Diane’s career.

She completed her PhD at Tulane University, New Orleans, USA, and has delivered teacher workshops, conference presentations and educational sessions for American educators. She has also led virtual workshops for teachers and schools in different countries.

Having lived and worked in several countries around the world, Dr Diane is passionate about ensuring that international schools are not left out and can enjoy the same opportunities as schools in the UK.

Dr Diane with school children in Guatemala

Explore the Maya World with Dr Diane

All workshops begin with an engaging multimedia presentation introducing the chosen topic, whether Maya civilisation, archaeology, rainforest exploration or Dr Diane’s adventure book, The Adventures of a Maya Archaeologist: Snakes, Scorpions and Jungle Discoveries.

Drawing on real archaeological expeditions in Guatemala, Dr Diane uses photographs, videos and personal stories to bring the ancient Maya world and archaeological discoveries to life.

Topics may include:

• What it is like to live and work in a rainforest, with videos filmed during real expeditions
• The achievements of the Maya in architecture, art, writing, calendars, mathematics and chocolate
• Common myths and misconceptions about the ancient Maya
• Dr Diane’s own archaeological discoveries, including excavations of some of the earliest known Maya murals
• How archaeologists use clues from the past to understand ancient societies
• The wildlife, challenges and adventures encountered during archaeological fieldwork
• How real archaeological discoveries inspired The Adventures of a Maya Archaeologist: Snakes, Scorpions and Jungle Discoveries

Designed for Schools Worldwide

The virtual format has been designed specifically to work across different countries and time zones.

Schools receive access to pre-recorded videos that can be viewed whenever convenient, giving pupils the flexibility to enjoy the full experience regardless of location.

Students also take part in a live online Q&A session where they can ask questions about:

• Ancient Maya
• Rainforest
• Archaeology
• How real expeditions became an adventure book

This combination of flexible viewing and live interaction allows schools worldwide to participate while giving students the opportunity to meet and interact directly with a Maya archaeologist and author.

Teaching the Maya

In addition to student workshops, Dr Diane offers virtual teacher training sessions for schools around the world. Based on years of archaeological research and classroom experience, these sessions provide teachers with the subject knowledge, resources and confidence needed to teach the Maya effectively while saving valuable planning time.

Feedback from elementary, middle and high school teachers on what they found most valuable about the training:

The resources, the information and the enthusiasm!

Diane’s knowledge and passion for all things Maya.

Engaging, easy to listen to and lots of really useful ideas to use with children.

Workshops on Offer

Designed for pupils aged 7–11 (US Grades 2–5) and can be adapted to suit different curricula and age groups.
Click the links below to learn more about each option:

• Ancient Maya
• Teaching the Maya
• Meet the Author
• Live Q&A
• Rainforest & Wildlife – coming in January 2027
• Archaeology – coming in January 2027

Inspire Curiosity, Reading and Exploration

Packed with rainforest wildlife, ancient Maya discoveries and real archaeological adventures, The Adventures of a Maya Archaeologist: Snakes, Scorpions and Jungle Discoveries inspires curiosity, discussion and creative writing.

No matter where your school is located, your pupils can join the adventure!

Early Reviews

Adventures of a Maya Archaeologist is an excellent read if you’re on the hunt for an engaging narrative for children and upper-primary-level students. Dr Davies delivers the right amount of detail to immerse you in the harsh jungle environment and the logistics of conducting field investigations at the highest level.

Amidst the details of Mayan finds, you get to know the author through playful and often humorous encounters and anecdotes like “gasoline popcorn” while learning about the skill, perseverance and tenacity required to work as a Maya archaeologist. Highly recommended for young readers keen on exploring ancient history, the natural world or in search of a fun, engaging story!

Eileen Jong, teacher, Vancouver, Canada

Interested in booking a workshop?

Get in touch to discuss your school, location and preferred time zone.