CHILDREN across Dorset have the chance to learn all about the Jurassic Coast.
The Jurassic Coast Trust has announced the return of the Big Jurassic Classroom, a scheme that offers all primary school teachers in Dorset and East Devon a chance to learn more about the world heritage site.
Discovery days are based at museums and visitor centres across the Jurassic Coast, including the Museum of Jurassic Marine Life in Kimmeridge, which is set to open in October.
The days are free to attend thanks to funding from the Primary Science Teaching Trust, which aims to build expertise in schools that demonstrate excellence in science teaching.
This is the final year of funding for the Big Jurassic Classroom and demand is expected to be high.
Learning and participation manager for the Jurassic Coast, Dr Anjana Ford, said: “We are so excited to be offering teachers across Dorset and East Devon the chance to learn about the Jurassic Coast and all the new resources we have on offer. This unique opportunity to work with and learn from some of the most talented scientists in the field is not to be missed."
In previous years, teachers have worked on projects from preparing dinosaur bones at the Natural History Museum to laser-scanning dinosaur footprints in Purbeck.
This year's programme is looking to be just as exciting with teachers getting the chance to participate in hands-on investigations with a resident scientist and will have special access to fossil and rock collections and can be shown how to use them for inspirational teaching.
As part of the Jurassic Classroom, Dean Lomax from ITV's Dinosaur Britain will be showcasing his research on ichtyosaurus and will help teachers become palaeontologists for the day through hands-on investigations of real life fossil specimens.
On top of this, he will be giving a public talk as part of the Thomas Hardye School's community lectures series on Wednesday, February 8 2017.
People will be able to book on to the talk by contacting the school on 01305 266064 or by going to www.thomas-hardye.net To find out more about the Jurassic Classroom and to book your place go to www.jurassiccoast.org/shop
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