There has been widespread concern for a while now that today students have little idea of their place on planet Earth leave alone the wider Universe.

Professor Brian Cox has started to address these concerns through his popular astronomy series on TV.
The new Astronomy GCSE has picked up on this and there is a considerable amount contained within the syllabus. The parts that relate to archaeoastronomy are;-
"importance of detailed observation of solar and lunar cycles by ancient civilisations in the agricultural, religious and calendar systems."
"evidence for highly detailed observations of solar and lunar cycles by ancient civilisations in the astronomical alignments of their monuments around the world"
"gradual precession of Earth's orbit/equinoxes and its use in archaeoastronomy."
This session will outline ways in which teachers can present both theoretical and practical aspects of the topics using simple equipment and concepts. .Much of this can be carried out with a classroom and playground. An extension will explain the benfitsof a field trip to a local ancient site. Suitable textbooks, websites and equipment will be identified and demonstrated.