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Bring dinosaurs to your classroom: Palaeontology Talks sends trained guides and real fossils into schools across the Greater Canberra Region for a 60‑minute, curriculum-aligned, hands-on science experience. Read on to learn what to expect and how to prepare.
Bring dinosaurs to your classroom: Palaeontology Talks sends trained guides and real fossils into schools across the Greater Canberra Region for a 60‑minute, curriculum-aligned, hands-on science experience. Read on to learn what to expect and how to prepare.
Book with National Dinosaur Museum
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by National Dinosaur Museum · Canberra, ACT
Palaeontology Talks brings dinosaurs and real fossils directly into classrooms across the Greater Canberra Region. This 60‑minute, curriculum-aligned incursion, offered by nationaldinosaurmuseum, converts school halls into tactile laboratories where students handle specimens and learn the science behind fossil formation, stratigraphy and the methods paleontologists use to read Earth's deep record. The program suits both primary and secondary classes and can be adapted to specific science topics for older students.
What makes this experience stand out is its emphasis on hands-on discovery. Rather than a lecture, Palaeontology Talks centers on authentic objects: matrix‑encased fragments, fossilized bone and shell, and cast replicas that demonstrate growth, wear and anatomical function. Presenters guide students through the lifecycle of a fossil—burial, mineral replacement, and excavation—while linking those processes to local and global examples drawn from Australia's fossil record. The result is an active, inquiry-driven hour that fosters observational skills, critical thinking and an appetite for field science.
Logistics are straightforward: the program runs for 60 minutes and is tailored to school timetables. Pricing starts at A$8 per student with a minimum charge equivalent to 30 students; discounts are available for larger bookings and multi-session visits. Some travel charges may apply depending on your location. nationaldinosaurmuseum delivers the talk within the Greater Canberra Region only, so it’s ideal for schools based in and around Canberra seeking curriculum-aligned, out-of-classroom learning without transport.
Safety and accessibility are built into the format: objects are handled under supervision, and presentations are adapted for different age groups. Teachers should plan a classroom space with clear sightlines and seating for students; a table for specimens and a power point for optional slides are useful but not mandatory. Bring notebooks, curiosity and questions—guides are prepared to answer surprising queries and to link fossil science to earth systems, evolution and environmental change.
Why book it? For schools and youth groups, Palaeontology Talks compresses months of textbook content into an hour of evidence-based exploration. For educators it’s an efficient means to meet learning objectives in science and literacy while giving students a rare tactile encounter with deep time. For the Canberra community it strengthens classroom connections to the region’s natural history and offers children a concrete doorway into STEM careers. To book, follow the referral link provided; program availability is targeted to the Greater Canberra Region.
Presenters draw attention to the geological processes that produce fossils—sedimentary deposition, compaction and mineral replacement—illustrating how different rock types preserve different biological signals and why Australia’s sedimentary basins are important archives of past life. The session ends with an interactive Q&A and simple identification exercises that reinforce observational vocabulary and hypothesis-making. Schools can schedule multiple sessions for staggered classes, making Palaeontology Talks a flexible, curriculum-ready outreach tool for booking.
Palaeontology Talks is tailored for both primary and secondary students; content and depth are adjusted to match curriculum goals and age groups.
Each session is 60 minutes. The structure supports groups up to around 60 students; larger cohorts can be accommodated with staggered sessions.
Rates start at A$8 per student with a minimum charge equivalent to 30 students. Discounts are available for large bookings and multiple sessions; travel fees may apply depending on location.
The program is currently offered for schools in the Greater Canberra Region only.
Yes—students get supervised, hands-on time with real fossils and cast replicas; all handling is overseen by trained guides to protect specimens and students.
Provide clear sightlines, seating for students, a table for specimens and optional AV for slides. No specialized lab equipment is required.
National Dinosaur Museum is a dedicated museum presenting scientific exhibits and educational programs about dinosaurs and prehistoric life. The museum offers guided tours, school-focused experiences, general admission access, and seasonal special events. Programs listed include a Years K–3 School Group Standard Day Tour, a Dinos @ School outreach experience, general admission visits, and the TERROAR at the Museum Halloween event. Each experience emphasizes hands-on learning, expert-led interpretation, and age-appropriate engagement for young learners and families. Teachers and group leaders can book the 90-minute Years K–3 Standard Day Tour that combines an hour of guided exploration with thirty minutes of interactive activities and shopping. The Dinos @ School option brings the museum’s learning resources to classrooms and community venues, delivering the same core curriculum focus in an outreach format. General admission provides access to permanent exhibits for self-guided exploration, while TERROAR at the Museum offers a themed seasonal experience focused on prehistoric behaviors and storytelling. The National Dinosaur Museum is featured on The Adventure Collective as a recommended experience for families and educators seeking curriculum-aligned outings. Its public programs and school tours are designed to support learning outcomes while delivering memorable, tactile encounters with paleontological concepts. Group booking details, pricing, and scheduling are available through the museum’s official channels; interested parties should refer to those resources when planning visits. Visitors can expect clear learning objectives, age-appropriate activities, and staff-led interpretation that complements classroom studies and inspires further interest in science and natural history, supporting curriculum connections for teachers and families alike.
Book with National Dinosaur Museum