Vivere la storia. L'esperienza del Museo archeologico dei ragazzi

The Museo Archeologico dei Ragazzi (Children's Archaeological Museum) is a museum of prehistoric archaeology based in Nardò (Lecce – Italy). Its specific aim is to inspire the enquiring minds of children. The museum was founded by Maria Laura Spano with the aim of testing the results of her research in archaeology for children. The museum has a tactile room, where children learn about technology in prehistoric times through a multisensory experience, a 3000 sqm area featuring a Palaeolithic camp, a Neolithic settlement and two outdoor activity areas where children can experience an excavation of a Neolithic tent and of a Messapian building. These learning areas allow children to experience life in prehistoric times, to carry out specific research activities, to investigate, to identify and solve problems, to work and collaborate with other children, to reflect on their own choices and to assess their decisions through two different methodologies, living history and role play. All these activities introduce children to life in Prehistoric times and allow children to acquire specific skills while playing and having fun together. The Children's Archaeological Museum acts as a mediator between schools and the other museums in the town of Nardò. Its activities integrate well with elementary school programmes and help guide children towards the acquisition of those pre-requisites which are fundamental to the understanding of local history.