KS3: Who Works at the Museum?
1. Before your visit: science at the Museum
Review what you already know about scientists and biodiversity.
Over 300 scientists work at the Natural History Museum. You're going to visit the new Darwin Centre to find out how they study biodiversity.
Task: discuss the following:
- What you know about scientists.
- What you know about biodiversity.
Moving in
The Museum has 6 science departments:
- Botany - studying plants
- Palaeontology - studying fossils
- Mineralogy - studying minerals
- Entomology - studying bugs
- Zoology - studying all other animals
- Library and Information Services - acquiring, storing and providing scientific information.
The Botany and Entomology Departments have moved their collections to the Darwin Centre Cocoon. Look at the specimen slideshow. Which of the specimens might you encounter during your Cocoon visit? Discuss in groups.
Remember you will only find botany and entomology specimens in the Cocoon experience. All the others (zoology, mineralogy and palaeontology) are stored elsewhere.
School bookings
All school activities must be booked in advance. To book, please call our school bookings line between 08.30-16.00, Monday to Friday during term-time, or 10.00-13.00 during the school holidays.
Tel: +44 (0)20 7942 5555