Natural History Workshop with full day visit Autumn Term 2024

90 minute guided workshop with half day self-led gallery time for up to 35 children.

“The workshop was absolutely fantastic … The children loved it.” - Simmondley Primary School

How do museums create exhibitions about the natural world – and can your pupils make their own display in just 90 minutes?

This workshop will use gallery games to teach them the crucial skills they need to interpret the animals in Manchester Museum’s collection. In groups, pupils will then be assigned , before assigning them a part of the collection to classify, sort and display according to their own ideas of what is important about these amazing animals.

Pupils will:

LOOK, handle, and describe the animals they see, from hedgehogs and echidnas to green sea turtles, possums, and baby rabbits!

CONNECT what they see with their existing knowledge about the natural world

EXPLAIN their groupings and why they are important during the grand opening of their new museum

WONDER at what else they could investigate about the natural world

As part of a full-day visit, you will also have time to explore the museum with your class as part of a self-led visit.

Your visit includes:

• A 90 minute facilitated workshop (10.30am-12pm or 12.30-2pm) including object handling and time on the Living Worlds gallery
• A set timetable to explore different galleries for the rest of your trip
• Coat and lunch storage
• A reserved 30 minute lunch slot in our Basement Education Suite lunch area
• Hazard and Risk Assessment documents
• Pre- and post-visit activities including the option to attend a curator-led Livestream event

Optional extra included in the workshop price: sign up for a free curator-led livestreamed session after your visit to us! 

Important notes:

• Workshops require a minimum of four supervising adults to be present at all times, excluding 1:1 support.
• Please check your timetable carefully in advance as changes cannot be made on the day
• Your workshop will include seeing and handling taxidermied (deceased) animals. The self-led part of your visit will include seeing a real partially-unwrapped mummified person. Some people may find these experiences challenging, so supporting resources for these sensitive areas will be provided for you to prepare your pupils and adult helpers in advance. Please contact us in advance to discuss any particular animal phobias.

Booking instructions: Please click the 'book now' button to check availability for your preferred date/s. If you wish to book multiple dates or multiple classes on the same date please check the availability first for each selection and then add them separately to your basket before checking out.