Earth: Rocks and minerals
-
Audience
Primary school -
Learning stage
Stage 1, 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 small 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 in 2026 and Stage 1-2 in 2027
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 4 2026, Terms 1-4 2027
Dates: Monday-Friday
Times: 10:00am, 11:00am, 12.15pm & 1:15pm
A Day at the Museum
Your school may be eligible for free participation in our A Day at the Museum program. Eligibility is open to Australian primary and secondary schools with an ICSEA value below 1,000, and schools recognised as special schools by ACARA.
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. [The presenter] was an amazing educator with so much knowledge to share! C. Murray, Year 3, St Joseph's Catholic Primary School
NSW Syllabus
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
NSW Syllabus
Science and Technology K-6 (2024)
Stage 1
Investigations of changes provide knowledge and understanding
A student:
- measures and describes changes in living things, materials, movement, Earth and the sky ST1-SCI-01
- poses questions based on observations and information to investigate cause and effect ST1-PQU-01
Content points:
Planet Earth is our home
- Manipulate different rocks and describe their texture, colour, and grain or crystal size
Stage 2
Physical and living systems depend on energy
A student:
- uses information to investigate the solar system and the effects of energy on living, physical and geological systems ST2-SCI-01
- uses and interprets data to describe patterns and relationships ST2-DAT-01
Content points:
Living things depend on energy and materials to survive
- Identify the systems of Earth that make up environments: air - atmosphere, land - lithosphere, water - hydrosphere, living things - biosphere
Forces shape Earth's surface
- Explain how the forces produced by wind, water and living things weather rocks
- Research, describe and model the internal structure of Earth
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 7 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 7 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.
