Palaeontology Talks: Dinosaurs and Fossils Brought to Classrooms in Canberra

Palaeontology Talks brings dinosaurs and real fossils directly into classrooms across the Greater Canberra Region. This 60‑minute, curriculum-aligned incursion, offered by nationaldinosaurmuseum, converts school halls into tactile laboratories where students handle specimens and learn the science behind fossil formation, stratigraphy and the methods paleontologists use to read Earth's deep record. The program suits both primary and secondary classes and can be adapted to specific science topics for older students. What makes this experience stand out is its emphasis on hands-on discovery. Rather than a lecture, Palaeontology Talks centers on authentic objects: matrix‑encased fragments, fossilized bone and shell, and cast replicas that demonstrate growth, wear and anatomical function. Presenters guide students through the lifecycle of a fossil—burial, mineral replacement, and excavation—while linking those processes to local and global examples drawn from Australia's fossil record. The result is an active, inquiry-driven hour that fosters observational skills, critical thinking and an appetite for field science. Logistics are straightforward: the program runs for 60 minutes and is tailored to school timetables. Pricing starts at A$8 per student with a minimum charge equivalent to 30 students; discounts are available for larger bookings and multi-session visits. Some travel charges may apply depending on your location. nationaldinosaurmuseum delivers the talk within the Greater Canberra Region only, so it’s ideal for schools based in and around Canberra seeking curriculum-aligned, out-of-classroom learning without transport. Safety and accessibility are built into the format: objects are handled under supervision, and presentations are adapted for different age groups. Teachers should plan a classroom space with clear sightlines and seating for students; a table for specimens and a power point for optional slides are useful but not mandatory. Bring notebooks, curiosity and questions—guides are prepared to answer surprising queries and to link fossil science to earth systems, evolution and environmental change. Why book it? For schools and youth groups, Palaeontology Talks compresses months of textbook content into an hour of evidence-based exploration. For educators it’s an efficient means to meet learning objectives in science and literacy while giving students a rare tactile encounter with deep time. For the Canberra community it strengthens classroom connections to the region’s natural history and offers children a concrete doorway into STEM careers. To book, follow the referral link provided; program availability is targeted to the Greater Canberra Region. Presenters draw attention to the geological processes that produce fossils—sedimentary deposition, compaction and mineral replacement—illustrating how different rock types preserve different biological signals and why Australia’s sedimentary basins are important archives of past life. The session ends with an interactive Q&A and simple identification exercises that reinforce observational vocabulary and hypothesis-making. Schools can schedule multiple sessions for staggered classes, making Palaeontology Talks a flexible, curriculum-ready outreach tool for booking.