Young people

YOUNG PEOPLE

The Museum is passionate about working with young people to trigger, foster and sustain a lifelong interest in nature.

Youth Forum

The youth forum is open to 16-19 year-olds who want to get more involved with activities in the museum. During meetings, we enjoy a wide range of activities exploring specimens and exhibitions, and learning about people who work at the museum. Join us for our lively and interactive sessions!

The group meets 10:00 - 12:00 on the first Saturday of every month.

Email education@oum.ox.ac.uk for more information on how to join the group.

Natural History Investigators

Each year, the museum runs a club for 14-16 year-olds interested in the natural world. Members have the opportunity to devise and carry-out hands-on scientific investigations using specimens in the museum collections. They are also given special access to objects and experts in the field they are researching.

The group meets on Saturdays 14:00 - 16:00 for 4 weeks in Spring and Autumn (March and September 2025).

Email education@oum.ox.ac.uk to find out more.

Research Placements

The Museum hosts STEM Research Placements during the summer holiday for secondary students in Years 12 and 13 from under-represented backgrounds. Placements are typically 2 weeks in length and can cover a wide range of disciplines, supported by specimens from the Earth and Life collections.

For further details, please email education@oum.ox.ac.uk

Museum staff with children looking at specimens on a table in the Museum

More on Natural Science & Heritage Scheme

Natural Science and Heritage Scheme

The Natural Science and Heritage Scheme is a paid opportunity for students in Year 12 and 13. The scheme runs during the summer holidays, and invites applicants from diverse backgrounds to find out more about the museum - particularly its public-facing roles. Participants are able to get hands-on experience of developing activities for museum visitors, with a focus on events that appeal to diverse families.

Work Experience Story

Himal Govind is a final-year Zoology student at Oxford Brookes University with a strong passion for animal conservation. As an aspiring conservationist, he was a part of the museum's National Heritage Scheme and recently completed a work experience placement with the museum's engagement team.

Meat The Future Exhibition Site

Meat the Future

Across the world, 90 percent of people are meat-eaters, and the global consumption of animal products is rising. Click to view our online exhibition, and learn about cutting edge research into the health and environmental impacts of different foods.

Bacterial World Exhibition Site

Bacterial World

Science is lifting the lid on the secret lives of bacteria – and revealing how the smallest of organisms are the key to understanding ourselves and some of our biggest questions.

Brain Diaries Exhibition Site

Brain Diaries

Learn about what the latest research tell us about how our brains work, from the minute we are conceived to the moment we die.

More information

Let's Talk About Climate

Over six interactive workshops in 2019, Let's Talk About Climate participants learned about the science of climate change and worked out how to pass on their own messages to influence decisions made at individual, local and national levels.