About the event
Step into the museum as your laboratory and spend an afternoon thinking like a scientist. Designed especially for curious minds aged 10–13, this hands-on COTO workshop invites young people to investigate the natural world through careful observation, questioning and creativity.
Together, participants will build their own “Dodo key," a simple research tool to help them notice details, ask better questions and use evidence from real museum specimens. They will then put their new tool into action on a guided discovery trail through the galleries, exploring fossils, animals, minerals and more.
Back in the workshop space, the group will discover how scientists, artists and inventors borrow ideas from nature, and how patterns, shapes and structures in the museum’s collections can inspire new designs. Each young person will create their own “inspiration drawing”, transforming something they have seen in the museum into an invention, artwork or imaginative design, with fun prizes to celebrate different kinds of scientific thinking and creativity.
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This event is a learning experience designed exclusively for young people aged 10–13. Participants will have the opportunity to develop confidence and curiosity and interact with their peers in a supportive museum environment, independently of their families.
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This is not a family activity, and we kindly ask that adults do not join unless their presence is genuinely required. If your child requires an accompanying adult, please let us know when you book a place so we can plan appropriately and ensure the session remains focused and comfortable for all participants, in accordance with our safeguarding policy.
Accessibility information
| Wheelchair accessible? |
Yes |
| Hearing loops? |
No |
| Seating? |
Yes |
| Refreshments? |
No |
| Flashing lights? |
No |
| Loud noises? |
No |
For more information, please visit our accessibility webpage.
