Engaging the Public Through Prehistory: Experiences From an Inclusive Perspective

Abstract The aim of this article is to advocate and raise awareness of the vital need for universal, barrier-free and inclusive scientific dissemination: outreach in which everyone is involved in the whole process, from the design of the activity to its assessment. It starts with some reflections and the practical process used to develop new activities and didactic tools. Three experiences with groups with difficulties in accessing knowledge are then presented. First, we describe a Neolithic cookery workshop for immigrant students with language difficulties, which enabled them to obtain a certificate of professional insertion. Second, we present an archaeological research simulator to explain the scientific method to people with different intellectual disabilities. Third, a giant board game was designed to entertain and make children undergoing cancer treatment experience the challenges of the Neolithic period. Finally, we assess the outcomes of the activities and draw some conclusions.