A unique window into the remote past Dinosaur Isle Museum is the purpose-built home to an internationally renowned fossil collection. Led by qualified palaeontologists working in Europe’s richest dinosaur locality, our school’s offer is an encounter with real fossils in the museum and on the beach.

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What We Offer Visiting Schools:

The museum offers visits, talks, and fieldtrips. Visits are typically self-guided; however, staff are frequently on hand to answer questions. Talks are in introduction to rocks, minerals, and fossils, but can be tailored to specific curriculum linked learning outcomes. Fieldtrips are normally at the adjacent beach and are led by qualified Palaeontologist’s.

Why Choose Us for an Educational Visit:

The museum is uniquely dedicated to the Island’s dinosaurs and other fossils. The museum’s scientists are active researchers into the Island’s internationally important palaeontological heritage.

Subjects and Topics Covered:

Palaeontology, Geology, Evolution.

Accreditation and Awards:

We are the Island’s only palaeontological museum which is a full member of the Museum’s Accreditation scheme (not for profit).

Group Sizes Catered For:

We can cater for up to 250 visitors at a time, for talks these are restricted to 40 children at a time.

Itineraries, Resources, and Workshops:

Typically, a school will book a talk, visit and fieldtrip, the order for this is determined by tide times, so will vary. Talks are delivered in our well-equipped education room.

We can offer talks and workshops on any aspect of geology (rocks and minerals and soils) and palaeontology. These can be themed as requested. We offer Key stage 1 and 2 interactive sessions covering, fossils, animal classification and dinosaurs.

We have worksheets available to help guide students around the galleries.

Risk Assessment:

Risk assessments for visiting the museum, workshops and fieldtrips are available on request.

Education Department Information:

Estelle Baker B.Sc. (Hons) PGCE with over 20 years’ experience, is a highly experienced primary classroom teacher, and heritage education officer, she leads the Isle of Wight Council Museums Education Service estelle.baker@iow.gov.uk

Alex Peaker B.Sc. (Hons) is Dinosaur Isle Museum’s Collections Officer. Alex is the first line of contact for school bookings and enquiries. Alex has over tens years’ experience in delivering schools and outreach for the museum alex.peaker@iow.gov.uk

Pricing Information:

GROUP RATES

Group child                                          £3.70 each

Including fieldtrip                             £5.00 each

Group adult                                           £4.00 each

Including fieldtrip                             £5.00 each

(One free adult for every eight paying children)

Talk                                                             £20.00 per talk (up to 40 children)

Curriculum linked activity               £3.70 each.

Visit to and Isle of Wight school    £75.00 until 31st December. £115 from 1st January 2025.

Facilities:

We have a dedicated education room that can accommodate up to 40 students. Outside there are grounds with grassed and there are seating areas.

Accessibility and Disabled Facilities:

The museum is fully accessible for wheelchair users, with a lift to the first floor.

Opening Hours:

July and August open daily 9.30 am to 5 pm. September to June open Tuesday- Saturday 10 am to 4pm, schools may however book Monday’s if requested.  Last admission is one hour before closing.