Kick off your Science on Show weekend with hands-on displays and expert encounters throughout the Museum.
Get a magnified look at insects, explore the secrets of cells, and step into the world of meteorites and megafauna. Don’t miss the special showcase of rare and historic science books from the Museum’s library - usually hidden from public view. A full day of science surprises awaits.
Map & Schedule
Select the numbers on the map to find out more!
1 of 12
Cave Secrets and Fossil Finds
Explore the tiny fossils, ancient artefacts, and specialised gear used to navigate extreme underground environments. Discover how scientists uncover the hidden history of life deep beneath the surface.
Presented by: Tim Zieggler, Collection Manager, Vertebrate Palaeontology
Bachus Marsh Diprotodon
Step back in time to meet the Diprotodon, Australia’s giant prehistoric wombat. Explore fossils from Bacchus Marsh that reveal life on the ancient plains.
Presented by: Dr. Thomas Rich, Senior Curator, Vertebrate Palaeontology
How many cells? Let's count!
Ever wondered how scientists study life on the tiniest scale? Watch as we count live cells using a spectrometer and explore the hidden world of microscopic biology.
Presented by: Dr Joanna Sumner, Manager, Genetic Resources Jennifer Hetz Rodriguez, Ian Potter Reseach Fellow
Sea creatures without a backbone
From jellies to sea stars, dive into the strange and spineless creatures of the deep and learn how they survive and thrive without a backbone.
Delve into the beautiful and bizarre world of insects. With magnifiers and microscopes, witness their astonishing forms and uncover what makes these tiny animals so mighty.
Presented by: Dr Claire Keely, Assistant Collection Manager, Invertebrates Simon Hinkley, Collection Manager, Terrestrial Invertebrates
Aquatic invertebrates from Merri Creek
Meet the live, wriggling residents of our local waterways – dragonfly, mayfly and other aquatic larvae – collected from the heart of Melbourne’s urban creeklands.
Presented by: Dr Richard Marchant, Senior Curator, Entomology
A secret library display
Peek into our hidden library and discover rare science books from the Museum’s behind-the-scenes collection.
Presented by: Hayley Webster, Manager Library, Museums Victoria
Meteorite: Messengers from space and time | 12 noon
Explore how meteorites hold the secrets of our solar system’s birth. These ancient space rocks are time capsules, helping scientists trace the origins of planets, moons, and even life itself.
Presented by: Dermot Henry, Head Sciences, Museums Victoria Research Institute
The history of the world in seven amazing rocks | 1:30pm
Take a journey through deep time as we uncover the hidden stories of seven remarkable rocks found at Melbourne Museum. From fiery beginnings to fossilised forests, each stone is a chapter in Earth’s epic tale.
Presented by: Dermot Henry, Head Sciences, Museums Victoria Research Institute
Scanning electron microscopy | 10:30am & 12:30pm
Enter the microscopic realm with MV’s SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope) and uncover mind-blowing textures and forms invisible to the naked eye.
Presented by: Dr Rolf Schmidt, Collection Manager, Invertebrate Palaeontology
Triceratops: Secrets of a dinosaur Icon | 11am & 1pm
Discover the epic tale of Horridus, the world’s most complete Triceratops fossil – from Hell Creek to Melbourne Museum – and what this dino still teaches us today.
Presented by: Dr Erich Fitzgerald, Senior Curator, Vertebrate Palaeontology
Carnivore vs. Herbivore | 9am to 2pm
Will you roar as the fierce, carnivorous Tyrannosaurus or charge ahead with the mighty, plant-powered Triceratops? Create and colour your 3D paper mask and dive into the epic battle between these prehistoric titans.
Program
Display Tables
Get up close with fascinating objects and specimens from our collections. Meet the experts, ask questions, and explore the science behind the displays.
Explore the tiny fossils, ancient artefacts, and specialised gear used to navigate extreme underground environments. Discover how scientists uncover the hidden history of life deep beneath the surface.
Presented by: Tim Zieggler, Collection Manager, Vertebrate Palaeontology
Step back in time to meet the Diprotodon, Australia’s giant prehistoric wombat. Explore fossils from Bacchus Marsh that reveal life on the ancient plains.
Presented by: Dr. Thomas Rich, Senior Curator, Vertebrate Palaeontology
Ever wondered how scientists study life on the tiniest scale? Watch as we count live cells using a spectrometer and explore the hidden world of microscopic biology.
Presented by: Dr Joanna Sumner, Manager, Genetic Resources Jennifer Hetz Rodriguez, Ian Potter Reseach Fellow
From jellies to sea stars, dive into the strange and spineless creatures of the deep and learn how they survive and thrive without a backbone.
Delve into the beautiful and bizarre world of insects. With magnifiers and microscopes, witness their astonishing forms and uncover what makes these tiny animals so mighty.
Presented by: Dr Claire Keely, Assistant Collection Manager, Invertebrates Simon Hinkley, Collection Manager, Terrestrial Invertebrates
Meet the live, wriggling residents of our local waterways – dragonfly, mayfly and other aquatic larvae –collected from the heart of Melbourne’s urban creeklands.
Presented by: Dr Richard Marchant, Senior Curator, Entomology
Peek into our hidden library and discover rare science books from the Museum’s behind-the-scenes collection.
Presented by: Hayley Webster, Manager Library, Museums Victoria
Talks
Hear from the scientists behind the scenes. Join talks and demonstrations throughout the day as they share stories, insights, and discoveries.
Enter the microscopic realm with MV’s SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope) and uncover mind-blowing textures and forms invisible to the naked eye.
Presented by: Dr Rolf Schmidt, Collection Manager, Invertebrate Palaeontology
Discover the epic tale of Horridus, the world’s most complete Triceratops fossil – from Hell Creek to Melbourne Museum – and what this dino still teaches us today.
Presented by: Dr Erich Fitzgerald, Senior Curator, Vertebrate Palaeontology
Explore how meteorites hold the secrets of our solar system’s birth. These ancient space rocks are time capsules, helping scientists trace the origins of planets, moons, and even life itself.
Presented by: Dermot Henry, Head Sciences, Museums Victoria Research Institute
Take a journey through deep time as we uncover the hidden stories of seven remarkable rocks found at Melbourne Museum. From fiery beginnings to fossilised forests, each stone is a chapter in Earth’s epic tale.
Presented by: Dermot Henry, Head Sciences, Museums Victoria Research Institute
Create
Roll up your sleeves and dive into hands-on activities. Perfect for curious kids and creative minds of all ages
Will you roar as the fierce, carnivorous Tyrannosaurus or charge ahead with the mighty, plant-powered Triceratops? Create and colour your 3D paper mask and dive into the epic battle between these prehistoric titans.
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