Please note all schools need to pre-book at least 6 weeks’ in advance for any of the options listed below. For details of how to make a booking please see below.
It is a special experience to learn in the home of Erasmus Darwin, a creative thinker and a man of many interests, who – along with his Lunar Society friends – was at the forefront of learning in the Eighteenth Century.
Our schools programme supports your teaching of the National Curriculum in History and Science:
| History | KS1 | Significant historical events, people or places in your locality |
| History | KS2 | An aspect of history or a site dating from a period beyond 1066 that is significant in your locality |
| Science | KS1 | Everyday materials (Y1/2) |
| Science | KS2 | Rocks and fossils (Y3) |
| Magnets (Y3) | ||
| Light (Y3 and Y6) | ||
| Sound (Y4)
Living things and their habitats (Y4) The human body (Y4 and Y6) |
||
| Evolution (Y6) |
We offer:
- Visit (full or half day) with activities led by our trained Education Volunteers:
- The Georgian Experience: Erasmus Darwin – his life and context, explored in his own home, including aspects of Darwin’s life as a doctor and experiencing 18th century domestic life.
- Exciting Science: a selection of Science activities linked to the Primary Science curriculum experienced in the home of this eminent 18th century scientist.
- Evolution and Natural Selection – Explore the Galapagos: just like Erasmus’s grandson Charles Darwin, use resources from the Galapagos to learn about evolution and natural selection.
- Fossils and geological Time – Fossils and the Stairs of Time:get a grip on the age of the earth, find out about fossils, including making one to take home.
For full details of activities within each package, please download the information booklet –2019.04 Teachers’ Booklet April 2019
Joint visit (full day) with the Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museums:
- Learn with Lichfield’s Leading Lights: Two great 18th century characters on one full-day visit, including facilitated activities at both venues
- Self-guided visit: Suitable for a short visit. A trail sheet is available for schools to copy
- Discovery Boxes:
Boxes of handling items, including background information on the artefacts, for use in the Museum or available to borrow for use in school:- Life at home in the 18th century
- Medical history (the changing technology of medicine)
- Rocks
- Fossils
Charges for School Visit
Half Day Visit – Recommended minimum visit time: 2 hours.
£5 per child. Maximum of one class.
each child participates in two activities or in a whole package such as The Galapagos or Fossils.
Full Day Visit – Recommended minimum visit time : 4 hours (including lunch break)
£8 per child (including use of lunch room). Maximum of one class.
Each Child participates in three activities in greater depth.
Joint Visit to Erasmus Darwin House & The Samuel Johnson Birthplace: Whole day
£5 per child at Erasmus Darwin House. Price at Samuel Johnson Birthplace available from http://www.samueljohnsonbirthplace.org.uk
Maximum of 2 classes. Each class spends half a day in each venue. Lunch room available for hire at Erasmus Darwin House.
This joint package with the Samuel Johnson Birthplace, which is within easy walking distance of Erasmus Darwin House, offers a combination of history, science and literacy in two different historic houses.
Outreach Programme
Recommended time: 2 hours
£150 for a two hour visit to your school
Discovery Boxes
Boxes of resources which can be borrowed for use in school. Maximum loan of one week @ £20, plus £50 returnable deposit. Additional charges for delivery and collection.
What schools have said about their visits to Erasmus Darwin House:
“A wonderful workshop and you made us feel very welcome.” St Joseph’s Primary School.
“The kids really engaged.” Erasmus Darwin Academy.
“A truly excellent visit which the children thoroughly enjoyed and which really made a difference to them. They learned a lot and had fun!” Lichfield Cathedral Summer School.
“Gives an authentic insight into the history and lifestyle of the era. The children loved handling the objects. Fantastic! Brilliantly led!” Fulfen Primary School.
“Will be encouraging other classes within school to make use of this excellent local resource.” St Peter and St Paul Primary School.
“Thank you for a fantastic visit! The children really enjoyed the activities. It is a great way to help the children to learn about famous people in Lichfield in a fun way. They all learned a lot.” St Michael’s Primary School.
“We enjoyed how you provided the children with hands-on activities-this is just what our children need on a school trip. Our children have been bursting with enthusiasm during our topic lessons to share what they learned.” River View Primary School.
For further information about our education activities, and for practical details, please download our booklet.2019.04 Teachers’ Booklet April 2019
View our risk assessment for school visits March 2022-risk-assessment-schools- (1)
To discuss a possible visit or if you have specific queries, please email enquiries@erasmusdarwin.org, FAO Education Co-ordinator
You might like to consider combining a visit to Erasmus Darwin House with a visit to Lichfield Cathedral, which is immediately adjacent.
Download a free school activity here
Whilst the museum was closed we developed some free activities for children which can be downloaded below.
Links:
Childrens University – www.childrensuniversity.co.uk
Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum – http://www.samueljohnsonbirthplace.org.uk
Lichfield Cathedral: – http://www.lichfield-cathedral.org/education
