VISITS AT THE NATURAL SCIENCES MUSEUM

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At the Natural Sciences Museum, we offer a unique and educational experience for Scout and Guide groups with their leaders. Whether your group is earning badges, working on their natural science knowledge, or simply exploring the wonders of the natural world, our museum provides an engaging environment that brings learning to life through hands-on activities and expert-led sessions.

Our museum is the perfect destination for young explorers, offering a wide range of exhibits and interactive activities that support a variety of scouting and guiding programs. From paleontology to biodiversity and conservation, there is something for every interest. Our team is dedicated to making each visit exciting, educational, and aligned with your group’s goals, whether it’s earning badges or gaining new knowledge.

We offer tailored sessions for different age groups, including Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Explorers, Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and Rangers. These sessions can be customized to fit your group’s needs and interests, providing an enriching and hands-on learning experience. Here’s a glimpse of what we offer:

Squirrels can begin their adventure into the world of natural history with fun, interactive sessions designed to spark their curiosity. They can learn about animals, plants, and dinosaurs through hands-on activities like fossil crafts and animal habitat exploration. Our museum provides a playful and educational experience that will leave them excited about the natural world.

Beavers and Rainbows are curious and full of energy, and our interactive sessions are perfect for their enthusiasm. They can explore fossils, discover prehistoric creatures, and participate in fun activities that encourage teamwork and problem-solving. Badge-related activities and crafts ensure that learning is both fun and rewarding.

Cubs and Brownies can dive deeper into the world of natural history with engaging sessions that focus on specific themes, such as the life of dinosaurs, rock formations, and animal habitats. Our museum offers a range of hands-on activities to complement their badge requirements and provide a memorable educational experience.

For Scouts and Guides, we offer more in-depth sessions that connect to a range of merit badges and achievements. From fossil identification and environmental conservation to animal behaviour and geology, our expert-led workshops will inspire curiosity and expand their knowledge in science and nature.

For Explorers and Rangers, we offer more advanced sessions tailored to their interests and badge requirements. Our expert-led workshops allow Explorers to explore complex scientific concepts, deepen their knowledge of the natural world, and apply their learning in real-world contexts, inspiring further curiosity and understanding in science and nature.

• Guided Tours: Our knowledgeable staff will lead your group on an engaging tour of the museum, explaining the exhibits and making the experience come alive through fascinating facts and stories.
• Hands-on Workshops: Participants can get involved in activities like fossil handling, crafting, and experiments. These hands-on experiences help reinforce the learning objectives and allow for a deeper understanding of the subject matter.
• Badge-Focused Activities: We can tailor the visit to suit badge requirements, ensuring that your group can earn their badges while exploring the museum. Our activities cover a variety of topics, including nature, science, and conservation.
• Educational Talks: Our museum experts are available to deliver short talks or demonstrations on topics ranging from palaeontology to conservation, providing additional learning opportunities for your group.

We also offer evening visits for Scouts, Beavers, Cubs, and Girl Guides who wish to explore the museum during their usual meeting time. These visits provide a unique opportunity for groups to experience the exhibits in a quieter setting. Evening sessions can be tailored to include guided tours, hands-on workshops, and badge-related activities, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a more relaxed and focused visit. 

We aim to keep our sessions affordable and accessible for all groups:

• Museum Visits: Prices start at £5.50 per child for an hour visit, which includes a 30min guided tour and 30min workshop.
• Leaders and Accompanying Adults: Leaders and accompanying adults are free of charge to ensure safe supervision and support.

To make a booking or inquire about availability, please contact us. We recommend booking well in advance to secure your preferred date.

• Book in Advance: We encourage groups to book their visits early to guarantee a spot, especially during busy periods.
• Arrival and Parking: The museum offers parking for coaches and minibuses. For those arriving by public transport, the museum is easily accessible by bus and tram, with nearby stops.
• Lunch and Facilities: Groups can bring packed lunches or purchase food at nearby eateries. We also provide space in our Learning Room for groups to eat if needed.

If you’re ready to plan a memorable educational visit for your group, we’d love to hear from you! Contact our Education Team to discuss your requirements, and let us help create a visit tailored to your group’s needs.

For more information or to make a booking, please contact us at education@nsm-uk.org. We look forward to welcoming your group to the Natural Sciences Museum!