Sydney Science Trail Primary Program
Sydney Science Trail excursions are back this August. Explore the program and book your primary school class excursion for National Science Week.
Royal Botanic Garden Sydney and Australian Museum
11 - 12 August 2025
9.30am - 2.30pm
Stage 2 and 3
$25 per student (incl. gst).
Minimum charge of 20 students per booked group applies.
Teachers attend free of charge.
Science for curious kids
The Sydney Science Trail is back this August!
Bring the wow to your students’ learning at our primary school science education day. Featuring live on-site activities, workshops with fun, hands-on approaches to learning and thrilling stage shows, the Sydney Science Trail delivers a program they won’t be able to stop talking about.
Don't miss out on this celebration of science! Explore the full excursion program and book your spot now.
Program overview
Sessions
Program entry includes four activity sessions between 9.30am and 2.30pm across both Royal Botanic Garden Sydney and Australian Museum sites.
The four sessions include:
- Science Show at the Royal Botanic Garden
- Science Expo at the Australian Museum
- Interactive STEM Workshop at either the Australian Museum or the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
- Teacher-led experience at either the Australian Museum or the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
Structure
Class groups rotate through four 60-minute sessions across two historic venues – two sessions at the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney and two sessions at the Australian Museum.
- Morning sessions: 9.30am – 10.30am and 10.30am – 11.30am
- Lunch and change venues: 11.30am – 12.30pm
- Afternoon sessions: 12.30pm – 1.30pm and 1.30pm – 2.30pm
Science Shows
Students will attend one of the following science shows as part of the program.
The Great Big Science Show features a variety of spectacular and highly visual demonstrations, including liquid nitrogen, chemical reactions and fireballs - an unforgettable celebration of science. The focus is on maximum excitement with the most energetic and crowd pleasing demonstrations from across a range of science disciplines. Throughout the show we’ll consider how scientists find out new things by doing experiments, testing predictions then using their knowledge to solve problems, build inventions and create technology. We'll keep the pace and energy high for maximum crowd-pleasing engagement.
For school bookings on Monday 11 August 2025.
Things are not always what they seem in this eye-opening show featuring improbable biology, fascinating physics tricks, staggering space science, and incredible chemical reactions. A fun-filled show jam-packed with laughs and audience participation!
For school bookings on Tuesday 12 August 2025.
Science Expo at the Australian Museum
Celebrate National Science Week and have your students’ burning questions answered by experts from over 20 research organisations and universities including the University of Technology Sydney and the University of New England. Wander through our Science Expo stalls and chat citizen science, frogs, fossils, medical research and more – even ask our scientists about their career paths. Ignite your students’ love for science by giving them the rare opportunity to touch base with real-life scientists, undertake experiments and get hands-on with cutting-edge innovations.
All students will access the Science Expo as part of the program.
Interactive STEM Workshops
Students will attend one of the following workshops at either the Australian Museum or Botanic Gardens of Sydney.
Our world is heating up, but we can all help make places that are good to live in. What would you choose to have in a city, town or farm that would make life better? There are lots of ways to tackle climate change and create nature-filled, clean and wonderful places. Come join this hands-on, playful session to get your ideas sparking. Presented by the Climate Solutions Centre, Australian Museum.
Led by an Australian Museum First Nations educator, students will learn about native plants from around NSW and other parts of Australia, the uses of these plants and the cultural significance they have to First Nations Peoples. Students will learn about different weaving techniques used to make baskets, nets and carriers, and will engage in hands on activities and games that introduce the skill and complex knowledge of this traditional practice. Students will take home the woven bracelet they make during the session.
Although they are only pint-sized, insects and other invertebrates are the most diverse and important groups of animals on the planet. Insects provide essential ecosystem services such as pollination, seed dispersal, biological control recycling and provision of nutrients, and are crucial to our own survival. This activity explores the physical and behavioural features of invertebrates, and investigates the ecosystem services that they provide. Students will use stereo microscopes and magnifying glasses to observe insects and learn about how to identify them. This hands-on workshop is facilitated by the University of New England.
Fibonacci numbers are nature’s favourite. Join us at the Gardens as we explore this ‘Golden Number’ amongst the beautiful landscape and use natural materials to create a beautiful pattern of the golden spiral.
Can you connect the dots to link seasonal aspects of our environment to people, places and plants? In this fun hands-on activity, explore the secret language of nature and how it talks to First Nations people!
Self-guided Experience
Guide your students through either a gallery at the Australian Museum or try your hand at nature journaling at the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney to discover nature up close.
Teachers will be allocated an explore session at only one venue, depending on which group rotation they are placed in. Optional teacher resources will be available to assist your students, including nature journaling activities in the Garden and engaging ways to interact with one of the exhibits at the Australian Museum.
