Young scientists and theatre kids alike will have plenty to enjoy these Winter School Holidays (28 June – 9 July) at the Australian Museum.
The Winter School Holidays lineup features onsite AM activities to kickstart the imaginations of children– from drama workshops featuring Edward the Emu, to the ever-popular, Scientist for a Day program.
“We are so excited to present our new school holidays program for Winter. Children from five to 12 years can join our experts for a variety of workshops that will unlock their creativity and expand their minds before the new school term begins.”
Cordelia Hough, Creative Producer of Family and Children’s Programs said
“From learning more about the world’s oldest living cultures and conducting your own archaeological experiments shoulder-to-shoulder with experts in the field, to developing skills and confidence in drama with an award-winning theatre company, the AM’s Winter School Holidays Program has a unique selection of activities to cater for all tastes,” Hough said.
“These activities are also incredible teaching tools for kids. Through a series of hands-on experiments, engaging tours and educational games, children will learn all about First Nations cultures and history through an archaeological lens. In addition, kids will gain valuable skills in creativity, collaboration, and self-acceptance in our drama workshop,” Hough said.
Scientist for a Day: Archaeologist
Learn more about the world’s oldest living cultures in this full-day workshop for budding archaeologists. Combining cultural and scientific knowledges, First Nations AM staff will share evidence of how Aboriginal people lived, used resources and adapted to environmental change, and how this knowledge could help us make a better tomorrow. Highlights include: a rare, behind-the-scenes tour of the AM’s conservation lab; hands-on archaeological research experiments; a guided tour of the First Nations Galleries, and much more!
Tues, 29 June & Wed, 30 June, 9:30am-3:30pm. Ages: 8-12 years. $100 per child (AM Members); $125 per child (non-Members).
Drama Workshop: ‘Edward the Emu’ with Monkey Baa Theatre Company
Join the award-winning Sydney children’s theatre company, Monkey Baa, for an entertaining 2-hour theatre-making experience and go on a journey of identity, self-belief and belonging… through the eyes of an Emu. Highlights include: a reading of Edward the Emu and Edwina the Emu by Sheena Knowles and Rod Clement; an incredible one-of-a-kind teaching experience with experts from Monkey Baa; a short tour with First Nations AM staff to explore the importance of the emu in First Nations cultures; and an exclusive photo opportunity with the company’s exquisite puppet of Edward the Emu.
Tues, 6 July & Wed, 7 July, 10:30am-12:30pm & 1:30-3:30pm. Ages: 5-8 years. FREE with Creative Kids voucher or $52 per child (AM Members); $65 per child (non-Members).
Prehistoric Playground
The AM is a great stomping ground for dinosaur buffs. Children of all ages help clean a real 75-million-year-old Centrosaurus fossil, discover which plants and animals once inhabited a Jurassic swamp only a few hours from Sydney, as well as colour their own dinosaur and see it come to life on a 9m projection screen. Visitors can also learn how feathers and wings have evolved for flight by making their own aerodynamic paper planes and helicopters.
All welcome. Open daily 10am-4:30pm. Included with FREE general admission.
Unsettled Exhibition
The AM’s newest major exhibition, Unsettled, uncovers the untold histories behind this nation’s foundation story. First Nations voices reveal the hidden stories of devastation, survival and the fight for recognition. These first-hand accounts are presented through long hidden historical documents, large-scale artworks, immersive experiences and never-before-seen objects from the AM’s collections and beyond. A family-friendly activity booklet is being developed in partnership with Red Room Poetry, just in time for the winter school holidays. The booklet will deepen engagement with the exhibition using poems by First Nations artists that respond to the themes of invasion, resistance, identity, and healing.
Recommended for 8+, addresses confronting topics. Ongoing: Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sat & Sunday, 10am-5pm. Nights at the Museum: Thurs, 5pm-9pm until end of June. Included with FREE general admission.
Unsettled Tours
Add to your Unsettled experience through a tour with the AM’s knowledgeable First Nations guides, as they illuminate the meaning of key exhibition objects and offer a deeper understanding of how we can truly settle this nation.
Recommended for 8+, addresses confronting topics. Ongoing: Wed, Sat, Sun, 10:30am-1pm. Nights at the Museum: Thurs, 10 June – 30 June, 6pm-7:30pm. $20 Members, $25 non-Members, $12.50 Children.
For more information and to book tickets, visit: https://australian.museum/event/school-holidays/
EVENT DETAILS
What: Winter School Holidays program at the AM
When: Monday, 28 June – Friday, 9 July 2021
Where: Australian Museum, 1 William St, Sydney NSW 2010
