Fossils, Rocks & Soils: Venues and Resources

The Earth’s Archive

A school residential trip focusing on fossils, rocks, and soils transforms the landscape into a living geology classroom, allowing students to examine how different rock types are formed and what ancient fossils reveal about the Earth's dramatic past.

The South Coast, encompassing the world-renowned Jurassic Coast in Dorset and the exceptionally fossil-rich beaches of the Isle of Wight, provides the ultimate environment for geographical and scientific enquiry. By stepping outside to explore these dynamic coastlines, pupils gain a hands-on understanding of the physical processes that shape the ground beneath their feet.

• Rock Formation and Soils: Students investigate the rock cycle, learning to identify sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rocks in the field, while examining how weathering and organic matter create the diverse soils that support local ecosystems.
• Fossil Hunting and History: Interactive beach safaris and guided walks help children safely discover and identify genuine fossils, understanding how these preserved remains act as a geological timeline of prehistoric life.
• Coastal Erosion and Landscapes: Pupils observe the powerful forces of nature in action, studying how continuous coastal weathering and erosion shape iconic landforms and expose new geological strata.

Browse our curated selection of venues and educational activities below to build the perfect geology and earth sciences itinerary for your class.