School Groups
The National Stone Centre is based on a dramatic, 50-acre site near Matlock in the beautiful Derbyshire Dales.
Neolithic man used stone technology – today computers use stone microchips. The story of our use of stone stretches back for thousands of years and we still use the equivalent of five tonnes of stone each year. 
Hundreds of industries, from buildings, roads and steel manufacture to ceramics, sculpture and toothpaste, use stone directly or as a vital part of the manufacturing process.
The story of the rocks themselves is even more amazing and fascinating. On a guided site trail, visitors will discover the fossilised remains of sea creatures that lived near the equator in a tropical lagoon 330 million years ago. How can they be embedded in rocks high above sea level in land-locked Derbyshire?
The guided site trail also illustrates the industrial history of the area – the quarrying of limestone and its many uses and the mining of lead, an industry that pre-dates the Roman period. Earth science and the environmental impact of extraction industries are other aspects included.
It is not surprising that an understanding of the origins of rocks and soil and the history of our utilisation of these resources are featured in curriculum areas such as Science, Geography and Design and Technology. Studies can also link to other curriculum areas such as History, Literacy, Numeracy, Art, and Music. A very relevant topical element, also reflected in the National Curriculum, concerns the importance of balancing our economic needs with environmental considerations and ensuring sustainable development for the future.
Activities
Gem panning
Find gems in the swirling sand and water. Labelled examples are used to identify them by their colour and shape.
Fossil casting
Make Plaster of Paris casts of fossils, encouraging an understanding of the earliest creatures on Earth and how their remains became part of the rocks under our feet.
Fossil rubbing
Making careful rubbings of templates from many different types of fossils is another way to encourage a detailed look at their structure.
Rocks and minerals
Examine and compare samples of rocks and minerals to illustrate their different appearance, origin and properties, leading to discussion of their many and varied uses.
Study of Soils
Study the composition of different soil types, which illustrate the relationship of soils with the underlying rock and the process of colonisation by plants. 
Further Attractions
'Treasure in the Rocks' shop
The 'Treasure in the Rocks' shop is in the Discovery Centre and is an Aladdin’s Cave of minerals, fossils, crystals, books and souvenirs. Some time will be allowed in your schedule to look around but pupils should be organised into small, supervised groups.
The Story of Stone exhibition
This is an indoor exhibition based in the Discovery Centre illustrating every aspect of stone from molten rock through to current environmental debate. Free (differentiated) quiz sheets available if required.
The Millennium Wall
The Millennium Wall was built by 150 members of the Dry Stone Walling Association who brought their own local stone to create this unique example of different walling techniques from all over Britain. The wall provides an opportunity to study and compare sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic rock types.
Quarry visit
A visit to observe a nearby working quarry from a safe viewpoint can be booked to add additional interest and impact to considerations of minimising environmental impact, technology, industrial uses of stone and regeneration issues. Please note that you will need to use your own transport for this visit to save time.
General information
Further walks
A trail guide is also available for three themed trails covering the geology, ecology and history of the National Stone Centre site. This guide is available from the Discovery Centre
Current prices and guidance on timing and group numbers can be found on the booking form. Pre-booking is essential in order for us to organise the day for the large numbers of children on site. If booking has not yet been arranged, please telephone to check availability before completing the booking form. Return the booking form and a signed copy of the Health and Safety statement to the National Stone Centre.
Lunch
Groups should bring a packed lunch if staying all day, and all rubbish must be taken away. Indoor eating facilities are not yet available but groups can picnic outside the Discovery Centre or use their coach if the weather is unsuitable. Snacks/drinks/ice cream etc may be purchased from the Discovery Centre.
Disabled access is possible to the Discovery Centre, Story of Stone Exhibition, activity areas and an on-site trail.
Facilities
Public toilets and hand washing facilities are available on site.
Safety note
Parts of the site are rough and uneven underfoot – sturdy footwear is essential. Most of the activities take place out of doors during the majority of the year and waterproofs and warm clothing are needed. In hot weather sun protection and water are equally important.
Take into account the points made in the Risk Assessment Guidance information. and the Health and Safety Statement. Sign and return the duplicate copy of the health and safety statement with your booking form (pdf file).
Site Code
For the benefit and safety of all, please inform everyone in the group of the following guidelines:- Keep to the paths and walk, do not run – there are mine shafts and loose rock faces. Look out for warning signs and take notice.
- Do not climb – the rock faces and structures are not safe for this purpose.
- Do not throw rocks or any other items, even if you think there is no one there.
- Take nothing - do not hammer rocks, take or move stones in walls or pick flowers.
- Leave nothing – take litter home with you.
- Wash hands following activities and before eating.
