Art v Science: Palaeontology

Work as a palaeontologist to uncover secrets from the past – investigate how fossils formed, classify the different types and create your own fossil cast during a two-day paleo workshop. 

Join us as we step back in time to a prehistoric world where wild and wonderful creatures roamed the Earth and traversed the oceans.

Prepare and cast your own fossil to take home and explore the Museum galleries, and exhibitions for inspiration during this two-day paleoart workshop. 

Day 1. Prepare your mould and cast 

• Investigating the world of paleontology
• Fossil formation and classification
• Creating a mould to cast a specimen (dries overnight)

Day 2. Paint your cast and explore paleoart

• Explore the galleries
• Investigate paleoart
• Unveil your fossil and paint

Equipment & Supplies 

• Participants will be using the following equipment under strict guidance; pinkysil silicon putty, plaster of Paris, vaseline and acrylic paints. 
• Protective equipment supplied will include; safety glasses, aprons, latex-free gloves and masks. 

* Please note that these full-day workshops have been split across two consecutive mornings to allow for the preparation of moulds and drying of casts.

Drop and leave programs

Drop and leave programs enable juniors to experience the Museum independently, discover and learn something new in an area of interest and access materials and resources that would not normally be available at home. All programs are managed and monitored by our experienced Learning and Engagement staff.