Last April 18th and 19th, we visited the Spanish city of Burgos and the archaeological site of Atapuerca with a group of Year 8 and Year 9 students. The trip was part of the Spanish Geography and History curriculum, as the Year 8 students had recently finished studying Prehistory.
On Thursday, upon our arrival in Burgos, we took a guided tour of the city center, visiting its most emblematic monuments. We could not miss the magnificent cathedral and the equestrian statue of El Cid. The students impressed the guide with their ability to answer questions accurately, showcasing their historical, artistic, and literary knowledge. They provided many details about Gothic architecture and the ‘Cantar del Mio Cid’.
After lunch, we enjoyed a guided tour of the Museum of Human Evolution. There, our students learned about the characteristics of different hominids, the evolution of homo sapiens, and how the human brain functions, among other fascinating topics. We took a picture in front of a mammoth skeleton. Tired but happy and having learned many new things, we headed to the hotel.
The next day, we woke up early to visit the Atapuerca site and the Center for Experimental Archaeology. Here, the students learned how our ancestors made fire, created bifaces, hunted, and painted cave art in prehistoric times. Enriched with new experiences and knowledge, we then headed back to Madrid.
