Mineralogy & Petrology Collection Area 2018

These spring school holidays, kids will learn everything there is to know about rocks and minerals and their properties in hands-on experiments.

Image: Abram Powell
© Australian Museum

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Ages: 9-12 years

The Scientist for a Day program is a full day social and educational workshop for young minds aged 9-12 years, designed to show kids what it’s like to work in different areas of science.

These spring school holidays, kids will learn everything there is to know about rocks and minerals and their properties in hands-on experiments. As part of their interactive investigation, your child/children will also get to explore the new Minerals gallery and go behind-the-scenes to see where the real science happens in our collections lab, with Collection Manager, Mineralogy & Petrology, Ross Pogson and Technical Officer Dayna McGeeney.



  • Hat
  • Water bottle
  • Bag
  • Lunch and snacks - there will be no option to purchase food on the day. Weather permitting, lunch will take place in Cook and Phillip Park (across the road from the Australian Museum)
  • Any required medication

Please refer to the AM's refund policy here. Discounted Members tickets will be verified with Members registered for Family Membership benefits. Members Benefits are for registered Members only (kids and /or adults).



About Ross Pogson

Albert Champan Collection Bathurst Opening 2019

Ross Pogson is the Scientific Officer, Collection Manager for Mineralogy & Petrology and Group Manager, Geosciences & Archaeology at the Australian Museum.

Image: Trent Cash
© Bathurst Regional Council

Ross Pogson has been with the Australian Museum since 1979, currently as a Scientific Officer, Collection Manager for Mineralogy & Petrology and Group Manager, Geosciences & Archaeology.

He runs the Museum’s X-ray Diffraction (XRD) analytical facility. Ross’ principle duties involve the management of a rock, mineral, meteorite and tektite collection of over 80,000 items, and associated public program, loan and educational activities.


Dayna McGeeney

Minerals Gallery installation Nov 2022

Dayna McGeeney, Technical Officer, Mineralogy & Petrology at the Australian Museum.

Image: Abram Powell
© Australian Museum

From a very early age, Dayna picked up rocks and marvelled in their shapes and colours. Collecting minerals and rocks continued and gave rise to questions as to how they were formed and why they were found at this point on the planet. This strong interest of knowledge lead to studying geology, remote sensing, geochemistry and gemmology. Her studies and previous research has taken her to PNG and country NSW investigating gold geochemistry and aquitard geology respectively. Both involving a large range of investigative techniques and laboratory instrumentation.

Today, Dayna uses this knowledge and understanding to assist in curating the Australian Museum's 80,000+ specimen collection of minerals, rocks, gemstones, meteorites and tektites.


The Australian Museum is COVID Safe

To help keep our staff, visitors and community safe, the AM has COVID-19 protocols in place, including physical distancing, increased cleaning and hygiene practices. Facemasks are encouraged.

View our full COVID-19 safety information here.