We welcome many school visits each year.
We welcome over 1,000 school children a year with tailored activities to complement national curriculum objectives. Located just 30 minutes north of Derby on the edge of the Peak District National Park with fully DBS checked and safeguarding trained staff and volunteers, the National Stone Centre provides a safe, enjoyable and educational experience.
Additional activities such as quarry visits, the Peak Mining Museum and other local attractions can be arranged. On-site coach parking available.
Full-day packages from ONLY £15.00 per child.
Activities on offer include:
Fossil Trail students learn about the earliest creatures on Earth and think about how their remains became part of the rocks beneath our feet. By going on our Geo-trail, they will visit fossil beds to discover brachiopod, coral and crinoid fossils.
Rock Trail on this trail students find out how limestone is created, learn about quarrying and see a former quarry that produced roadstone for the M1 Motorway, find out about lead mining and see an actual lead mine shaft.
Rock Detectives is a study of rocks and minerals that gives students an opportunity to examine and compare samples to illustrate their varied appearance, origin and properties. This gives rise to a discussion of the many different uses of stone.
Soils provides a hands-on demonstration of different types of soils. This includes comparing varied textures and properties and illustrating the relationship of soils to the underlying rock and the effect of plants and animals.
Gem Panning is a hands-on activity where students carry their pan of sand to shallow ponds of clean water to swirl the mixture to separate out the hidden semi-precious gems which they find home with them. The technique of panning is explained and how it is used to discover gold.
Treasure in the Rocks is a full-day programme that combines all five activities.
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 :)
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.
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.