Earth: Rocks and minerals
-
Audience
Primary school -
Learning stage
Stage 2, Stage 3 -
Learning area
Science -
Type
Museum educator-led
© Australian Museum
About the program
What is the difference between a rock and a mineral? What do they look like? How were they formed?
Set in the Australian Museum’s spectacular Minerals gallery, this practical program explores the building blocks of planet Earth.
Students will work in groups to compare, describe, and identify rocks and minerals. They will learn about the formation of different rocks and investigate the special properties of some minerals.
Finally, students will put their observation skills to the test as they hunt for mystery specimens in the gallery!
Learning objectives:
In this program, students will:
- examine rock and mineral specimens.
- identify the formation and features of given rocks and minerals.
- think scientifically by making evidence-based decisions.
- work collaboratively.
Audience: This program is bookable for Stages 2–3
Cost: $10 (GST included) per student with a minimum cost of $100 per session
Duration: 45 minutes
Capacity: Up to 30 students per session
Term: Term 1-4, 2024 and 2025
Dates: Monday-Friday
Times: 10:00am, 11:00am, 12.15pm & 1:15pm
A Day at the Museum for disadvantaged schools
If you are classified as a disadvantaged Australian primary and/or secondary school with an ICSEA value of less than 1000, or a special school, as defined by the Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) you may be eligible for our A Day at the Museum program.
The rocks and minerals session aligned perfectly with what we have been learning in Science in Term 4. It was truly amazing to hear the audible gasp when our students entered the rocks and minerals hall, as they took in all those treasures you have. The visit really made learning fun for our students, and was an amazing way to end the school year. Caroline Krix, Support Faculty, Cranebrook High School
This was a very valuable learning experience as it links directly with our learning at school. The hands-on activities and interesting facts engaged the students. Sam was an amazing educator with so much knowledge to share! C. Murray, Year 3, St Joseph's Catholic Primary School
NSW Syllabus (for the Australian curriculum)
Stage 2
Science and Technology K–6 Syllabus
A student:
- investigates regular changes caused by interactions between the Earth and the Sun, and changes to the Earth’s surface ST2-10ES-S
- questions, plans and conducts scientific investigations, collects and summarises data and communicates using scientific representations ST2-1WS-S
Stage 3
Science and Technology K–6 Syllabus
A student:
- explains regular events in the solar system and geological events on the Earth’s surface ST3-10ES-S
- plans and conducts scientific investigations to answer testable questions, and collects and summarises data to communicate conclusions ST3-1WS-S
Any changes to numbers or cancellations must be made in writing by emailing group.bookings@australian.museum before the date for Final Confirmation (14 days prior to your visit).
Final booking numbers must be confirmed at least 14 days prior to the scheduled visit.
A tax invoice will be issued prior to your visit based on Final Confirmation details.
A tax invoice based on Final Confirmation details will be issued prior to your visit or session.
Please advise at the time of booking if the tax invoice needs to be issued to a different contact name or email address. NSW Department of Education schools that use the EDConnect payment system should advise this at time of booking and provide a purchase order number if required.
Our payment terms are net 14 days. However, it is the AM’s strong preference that bookings be paid in full prior to the visit.
Adjustments on the day – the AM will adjust the invoice amount and you must pay the difference where:
i) Group numbers increase from Final Confirmation numbers; or
ii) the Group changes to a more expensive booking/ticket.
The adjusted invoice payment terms are net 14 days. To be clear, where numbers are less than Final Confirmation numbers, no deductions or refunds will be given.
For information about your excursion, arrival to the Museum and available facilities, visit our School groups page.
