We welcome schools from all over Britain

National Curriculum - suggested uses

SCIENCE AT 2-4. The Variety of Life - the diversity and classification of past life forms, and of the relationships, energy flows, cycles of matter within ecosystems. Processes of Life - the organisation of living things and the processes which characterise their survival and reproduction. Genetics and Evolution - natural selection and extinction. Key Stage 1. Awareness for pupils of the variety of other life forms including those which have become extinct a long time ago - fossils, dinosaurs, etc.. Topic examples: insulation - large and small dinosaurs; Archaeopteryx - modern day birds; Hot and cold blooded - which were dinosaurs; Local geology and fossils - the Dorset Coast; the passage of time - the fossil record. Also AT1, AT9, AT17.

Teacher Reconnaissance Visits: Free of Charge. Please telephone in advance and identify yourself at the admission desk on arrival.

Worksheets: A free worksheet is available for each child. There are two levels and samples are available on request. Please feel free to copy and/or alter the worksheet in advance to suit your own specific purposes.

Introductory Video: There is an introductory video which tackles many of the important issues concerning dinosaurs in a lively, fun and educational way.

Download additional information:
Download PDF of Schools Information.
Download PDF of Risk Assessment.
Download the map of Dorchester.

Hands-on dinosaur experience.

In Britain, due to geological factors, we do not have the remains of the spectacular dinosaurs such as those found in the badlands of the United States, China and Mongolia. British dinosaurs, while occupying the same ecological niches as their American cousins, have not been found in so complete a state. The dinosaur bearing geological strata in Britain is limited to a few areas. One of those areas is Dorset, and it is in Dorset that Britain's first dinosaur museum was established in 1984.

The Dinosaur Museum in Dorchester is not a dusty and dry museum. Its very much a 'new age' museum, bright and exciting and fun to be in. It is designed to break down barriers between visitor and exhibits that have almost become traditional in museums in Britain. Visitors to The Dinosaur Museum are positively encouraged to touch and use all their senses in their quest to experience the dinosaur world.

At The Dinosaur Museum the history of dinosaurs is told thematically through displays dealing with all the many aspects of these primordial beasts. Fossils including dinosaur eggs, skulls, teeth and claws, plus dinosaur bones are displayed with dinosaur skeletons and lifesize reconstructions. We firmly believe that learning should be fun. A visit to the Museum is a total experience. Hands on displays give information on dinosaurs in a fun way and present the very latest on dinosaurs - there is always something new to see.

Since we opened in 1984 we have welcomed schools from all over the south and south west as well as London! The Museum has been featured extensively on radio and television, including children's programmes, such as Blue Peter, The Really Wild Show, Caterpillar Trail, Tickabilla etc. etc.

If you have any particular needs or requirements please e-mail us, we are always pleased to help. But remember, The Dinosaur Museum is an extremely popular teaching resource for schools, so if you are thinking of coming try to book well in advance.

Dinosaur School Party Rates

For pre-booked groups of 15 or more:
Children £3.50
One adult is allowed with every ten children. Extra adults £4.50

Joint rates are available for groups wishing to visit both the Dinosaur Museum and The Tutankhamun Exhibition.

Joint rates are:
Children: £6.00
One adult is allowed free with every ten children. Extra adults £7.75

To arrange a School Party or a Joint visit, please do contact The Dinosaur Museum
Icen Way, Dorchester
Dorset DT1 1EW
Tel. 01305 269880
Fax 01305 268885
Or return to the contacts page to use the mailing form.