Space & science · Art & stories
What does a
archaeologist do?
Studies the past by digging up and examining what people left behind.
A career guide for curious students · Grades 3–12
A day in the life
Digs carefully, records finds, studies artefacts, and writes reports on past societies.
Skills to practise
Patience, care, curiosity.
How to explore this path
An archaeology or history degree, then field experience.
Training, qualifications and professional rules vary by country. Check current local requirements with a teacher or careers counsellor.
School subjects & interests
Archaeologist connects with History, Geography. You may enjoy this work if you like outdoors, hands-on.
TRY A LITTLE OF THIS CAREER
A hands-on activity
Draw what a future archaeologist might guess about your family from your kitchen.
Ask an adult to help. Follow the safety notes in the activity. Print this activity or save it as a PDF in your chosen language. Downloadable PDF files are in English.
For younger explorers: a simpler explanation
What do they do?
Archaeologists dig up old things to learn about the past.
What helps?
Being patient and noticing details.
Learning about the path
You study archaeology and do field work.
Questions to explore next
- Which part of this work sounds most interesting to me?
- What did I enjoy when I tried the activity?
- What could I ask someone who works in this field?