Playing on large displays to foster children’s interest in archaeology

Information and Communication Technology can contribute to fostering a wider appreciation of archaeology. People tend to think that archeologists’ work consists in the excavation and in the research of valuable elements without any scientific rigor. This paper presents an educational game for large multi-touch display aiming at developing a keen interest in archaeology in pupils, aged 8-12 years old. Playing with ArcheoGame, pupils discover the complexity of the archaeological investigation and of the overall archaeological research process. A formative evaluation showed that pupils found the game experience fascinating and engaging.