Dinosaurs of Patagonia

Step into the world of palaeontology as your students explore sixteen life-sized skeletons from the Cretaceous, Jurassic and Triassic. Walk amongst some of the largest animals to have ever walked the Earth including the biggest dinosaur in the world Patagotitan mayoram. Discover why these South American sites have preserved so much of the past and compare the features of the various dinosaurs. Consider the relationship of these dinosaurs to Queensland’s ancient life.

Dinosaurs of Patagonia is ideal for schools and groups with students in Prep – Year 7. A discounted ticket price of $12 per student is available for the following group bookings:

• School group (Prep – Year 12) - 10+ students
• Children’s group (children aged 3 - 15 years) – 10+ children

Please note, bookings are essential for all school and children’s group visits. We recommend you book as far in advance as possible to secure your preferred visit date and time. 

Learning outcomes and curriculum

• Discover where Patagonia is located and how the movement of continental plates has changed the Earth’s surface over time. Consider how this has influenced the species of dinosaurs discovered in different parts of the world.
• Feel a sense of awe and wonder when standing beside life-sized skeletons of some of the oldest and largest dinosaurs ever discovered.
• Investigate skeleton casts, fossils and digital reconstructions to identify features and adaptations of different dinosaur species. Explore how these features or adaptations helped these dinosaurs to survive in their habitats.
• Compare the features of different dinosaurs and investigate how they can be classified based on their similarities and differences.
• Consider how paleontologists gather evidence and research Earth’s ancient past.
• Develop inquiry skills and identify questions for further investigation.

Dinosaurs of Patagonia links to the Australian Curriculum (V 8.4 and V 9.0), supporting learning in Science and Mathematics. Dinosaurs of Patagonia is directly linked to the following curriculum areas: Biological Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Earth and Space Sciences, Science Inquiry Skills and Science as a Human Endeavour.

Visiting the exhibition also provides students with opportunities to develop General Capabilities (including Critical and Creative Thinking, Literacy, Numeracy, and Personal and Social Capability).

Support your learning experience

Support your Dinosaurs of Patagonia learning with pre or post experiences and resources that investigate prehistoric Queensland. This will enable students to compare dinosaurs in the exhibition with Queensland dinosaurs, consider animal adaptations that supported living in prehistoric habitats, and to get hands-on with fossil casts.

• Dinosaurs of Patagonia teacher guide

• Dinosaurs of Patagonia floor map

Ancient Animals School Program

Students will learn about the dinosaurs, megafauna, and marine reptiles that inhabited prehistoric Queensland. Students will also develop an understanding of what Queensland habitats were once like and how they supported these unique, ancient creatures.

Using fascinating fossil casts, this hands-on learning experience will develop student’s inquiry skills and understanding of Queensland’s ancient past.

When: During Queensland Terms 2023
Where: Queensland Museum
Target audience: Primary students, specifically curriculum-aligned to Years P-2, 3-4, 5-6.
Duration: 45 min
Cost: $6 per student, accompanying adults free of charge.

Learn more

QM Loans

Borrow relevant and curriculum aligned kits of museum specimens from QM Loans to engage learners in your classroom.

View QM Loans

Win a family holiday adventure to see the dinosaurs of Queensland!

When you visit Dinosaurs of Patagonia, we’re giving one lucky family of four the chance to win a holiday package for a trip of a lifetime to experience the best of Queensland’s dinosaur trail valued at $5,000 thanks to Queensland’s Dinosaur Tourism Collective. The prize includes:

• A travel voucher to be used for flights or fuel depending on travel mode preference of the competition winner.
• A prehistoric adventure curated by Queensland’s Dinosaur Collective including experiences with:
  • Australian Age of Dinosaurs
  • Kronosaurus Korner
  • Eromanga Natural History Museum
  • Flinders Discovery Centre
  • Riversleigh Fossil Discovery Centre.

This competition runs between Friday 17 March and Monday 2 October 2023. The winner will be drawn Friday 6 October 2023 and notified by phone or email by Friday 13 October 2023.

Book your tickets to Dinosaurs of Patagonia and don’t forget to enter this ‘roarsome’ competition at the end of your visit. Good luck!

Learn more about Queensland’s dinosaur experiences.
Read the competition Terms and Conditions.
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