Guided school tours & workshops

This specialised tour, taking in selected stations in the museum, focuses on the latest scientific findings from the fields of archaeology, palaeoanthropology, and human evolutionary genetics.

The tour concentrates on the history of the discovery of Neanderthals, on their way of life, and on their place in the framework of human evolution.

The tour gives a good overview of the biological and cultural evolution of humankind.

With this tour through the Neanderthal Museum and the Rijksmuseum van Oudheden, you will break with the stereotypical ideas of the Neanderthals while getting to know remarkable and unique discoveries from Germany and the Netherlands, like Krijn and Mr. N.

How does a curator design a museum exhibition? Bring 3 items that you associate with the topics “Past and present”, “Memento” and “Leisure”. With your brought items and other objects pupils will create their own collections and design a small exhibition.

Within this workshop pupils will examine bones, fossils and artefacts. They will systematically excavate, analyse and identify them. How will we interpret the finds? What can they tell us about the lives of the people of the Palaeolithic and the Neolithic? Discover the answers by going on an exciting treasure hunt!

Skeletal remains have been discovered. But what happened? Are they animal or human remains? Are they of a man, a woman or children? We count on your precise observations and your investigative skills!

A spectacular discovery was made – bones were found! The archaeologists start their investigations. What can the bones tell us about the age, the body height, the biological sex and the health condition of the person? You will make very interesting observations during your forensic investigation on human skeletal reconstructions.

Pupils will examine in small groups at five stations the reconstructions of famous fossils (e.g. the Laetoli foot prints). Pupils will determine whether they are the remains of an ape or a human. Expert-led observations alongside skeletal reconstructions of apes and humans will assist the practical assessments.

You would like to be well prepared for your Zentralabitur exam in biology? Pupils will examine 12-15 high-quality reconstructions of human fossils. By applying morphological criteria pupils will assign the fossils to their genus (and species) and discuss critically their allocation within the time span of human evolution.

After an introduction to the functions of clothing, the participants use bone awls, bone needles, and artificial sinew to sew their own leather pouch.

Book the desired date and log in via the Zoom link we send you. We will take you on a journey through the evolution of mankind and will be happy to answer your questions.

Using spear-throwers, the participants test their skills with Stone Age hunting weapons. This workshop depends on the weather. In the case of heavy rain, flint is used to engrave hunting scenes on slate.

Using a flint blade and Stone Age glue made from resin, wax, and tree bark, the participants construct a knife like those used in the Stone Age. The knife will even cut vegetables and bread.

A Stone Age pendant of wood, or some other natural material, will be made, then drilled and sanded. With the addition of a leather lace or some artificial sinew a necklace will be created.

How did Stone Age people find their way in the dark, or in caves when they went to create their cave paintings? With Stone Age lamps of course. Small lamps, just like the real thing, will be made using clay. Plant oil and wicks are then added.