Booking a School Visit

We welcome many school visits each year.

Available Activities:

Rock Trail

The trail takes place within the site and includes a stop at the disused lead mine, 2 quarry sites, the Millennium Wall and the Geological Steps discussing rock that can be seen and how it was formed.  

Rock Detectives

Looking at various types of minerals and rocksInvestigating their properties and how minerals join together to produce rocks.

Gem Panning

An opportunity for children to learn about the history of ‘panning for gold’.  Pupils can then pan for gems at the poolEach pupil will keep the gems they find. 

Fossil Trail

This trail takes children around the site with specific focus on fossils that can be seen and what that tells us about what it may have looked like millions of years agoThey will also learn how fossils are formed.

Soils

Various investigations of soils including three extreme examples: clay, sand and loam. Pupils have the opportunity to investigate and explore to see if they can find as many of the 5 parts of soils.

Onsite Extra

Free entry to the following (usually during breaktimes supported by school team):  

Rock Shop  

There is a small shop where visitors can buy rocks, minerals and gifts to remind them of their visit to the National Stone Centre.  (Goodie Bags for schools are available to pre-order at the time of booking)  

T&Cs apply

National Curriculum Links:

National Curriculum Science KS2

  • compare and group together different kinds of rocks on the basis of their appearance and simple physical properties
  • describe in simple terms how fossils are formed when things that have lived are trapped within rock
  • recognise that soils are made from rocks and organic matter.

Rock Trail

 I can describe in simple terms how fossils are formed.

I can list some everyday uses of rocks and explain how the physical properties of rocks make them suitable for different jobs.

Rock Detectives

 I can compare, group and identify different rocks by observing their appearance.

Gem Panning

I can describe how natural forces can change rocks over time.

Fossil Trail

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Soils

I can explain what soil is and what soils are made from

Feedback from other school groups

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Everything was perfect although wish we could have spent more time at each different area at the rock and fossil trails. The volunteers were amazing with the children. They all really enjoyed it. Well planned :)

Primary School Visit
Fountains Primary School
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I just wanted to email to say thank you for all your help with organising today's visit. We all had an excellent time and the children really enjoyed the day. I thought the guides were excellent and really helped the children learn more about our topic. I thought that the activities were excellent and linked so well to what we have been looking at in class.

School Visit March 2023
Youlgrave Primary School
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I loved going to the National Stone Centre! There is so much to do and I really enjoyed it. I would rate it 10 out of 10 because there is so much to see and do! The activities were super fun and the small exhibition near the cafe was nice. My favourite activity was the gem panning. I learnt a lot about rocks and would really like to visit it again.

Child Feedback March 2023
Home Education Group, Sheffield

Plan your school visit with us

Complete the form and a member of the team will be in touch to confirm the details and your requirements.

T&Cs apply