This article highlights how the Grant Museum of Zoology and Comparative Anatomy, University College London's (UCL) teaching collection of zoology, uses its collection to support inquiry-led science learning. The schools programme at the Museum involves pupils engaging in a process of active research or inquiry that builds their understanding of a subject. This approach reflects the practices of researchers at UCL and also researchers' design of a "research-led" curriculum that uses the collections to support UCL students' teaching and learning. Adopting this approach to learning programmes for schools helps to connect the research and practices of UCL with schools and provide meaningful experience for pupils that supports teachers' delivery of the National Curriculum