Experimental archaeology is a field of study that attempts to recreate ancient objects or actions to understand past societies. It addresses social issues and analyses how civilisations and techniques have evolved through science, technology, engineering, and history, thereby bridging gaps between STEM disciplines and the humanities (the STEAM approach). TraCE: The Travelling Case of an Experimental Archaeologist is an Erasmus+ project that promotes experimental archaeology as an interdisciplinary STEAM teaching approach in primary school. Within the framework of the EU Digital Education Action Plan (2021-2027), the TraCE project aims to foster interest and promote excellence in STEM disciplines among school students (11-15 years old), especially girls, through the use of experiential learning. Arch. as a way to improve their digital literacy and scientific skills. TraCe also provides its teachers with topics and ideas for teaching, as well as innovative pedagogical tools to teach STEAM subjects and to promote STEAM as an area of interest for women and girls.
The idea for the project must be drawn from both prior participation in other Erasmus+ and national projects, as well as from local experience teaching at the museum as an external learning environment. This led to a desire to work in depth with experimental archaeology as a method in science education. From the start, the consortium was aware of the gender differences in this area and sensed the potential to create interest in science through experimental archaeology. The desire was for a project that would provide an opportunity for formal collaboration between the museum and the school, as well as internationally. The aim was to create a project that supports both an experimental approach and knowledge search through booklets, animated videos, and gamified simulations. Therefore, we set out to create a consortium with experience in Erasmus+ projects, game development, primary school teaching, and museum teaching.