Classroom resources
Soil experiment: Summon the worms!
In this practical activity, your class will examine the importance of earthworms in breaking down organic matter to produce soil which helps plants to grow.
Practical observation: What's in soil?
In this practical activity, your class will get up close and see what they can find inside different soils, using samples from your own area.
The secrets of rocks
Working in groups, children will learn how rocks and fossils are formed and how they are laid down in different strata. They will also learn the chronology of some prehistoric life forms. PDF (4.7MB)
Useful articles
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DinosaursHow are dinosaur fossils formed?
Even though dinosaurs lived millions of years ago, we know about them thanks to fossils. Watch our animation to find out how dinosaur fossils formed.
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Fantastic fossils in Britain and where to find them
Discover fascinating fossils you can find around Britain, what they look like and where to search.
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What is a coprolite?
Fossil poo may not be a glamorous fossil find, but it can reveal a lot about prehistoric animals.
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CollectionsMary Anning: the unsung hero of fossil discovery
Mary was a pioneering palaeontologist and fossil collector. Her lifetime was a constellation of firsts.
Craft activities and quizzes
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Dinosaurs
How to draw a dinosaur
Learn how to create a cartoon T. rex. Plus find out how palaeoartists draw dinosaurs.
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How to make a salt dough ammonite fossil
If you can't get out to the beach to find fossils, why not make your own ammonites instead?
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DinosaursWould you make a good dinosaur hunter?
Find out how well you'd get along on a dino dig to search for famous Jurassic dinosaurs such as Brachiosaurus.
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DinosaursIs it a dinosaur?
How well do you know your dinosaurs? Take our quiz to find out.
The Dino Directory
Discover facts, figures and images for more than 300 dinosaurs.
In the Museum
Workshops and shows
Dino Dig Workshop
Become palaeontologists and dig for fossils in this hands-on workshop. You might even uncover a dinosaur skull!
For ages 7-11 (KS2)
South Kensington
Galleries
Fossils from Britain
Trace our fossil record through mud, silt, sand and time. See preserved shark teeth and spot the fossil fakes in the Fossils from Britain gallery.
South Kensington
Earth's Treasury
Discover minerals, gemstones and rocks in the Earth's Treasury gallery.
South Kensington
Restless Surface
How has wind, water and other weather shaped the Earth? And how long has it taken? Find out in the Restless Surface gallery.
South Kensington