Learn at home whilst exploring Scotland virtually

With schools closed to most pupils, some of Scotland's most popular visitor attractions are offering homeschooling help to parents across the country!

Article Source: Visit Scotland
Last Updated: 22 January 2021 16:50

Unable to open due to the Covid-19 pandemic, attractions such as Edinburgh Zoo, V&A Dundee and Glasgow Science Centre have created virtual lessons to inspire learning during lockdown. Covering subjects such as science, biology, design and history, many of the resources were either developed as part of the attraction’s education offering or created last year when Covid-19 forced the closure of schools nationwide.

VisitScotland hopes the virtual learning will help inspire real-life visits to these attractions once restrictions allow.

Homeschooling help includes:

Edinburgh Zoo and the Highland Wildlife Park
Website: www.rzss.org.uk
Well known for its education programme, RZSS is bringing its parks directly to families at home through a range of fun activities for children of all ages. Learn about individual species, native wildlife, animal behavior or why not arrange a virtual tour to see some of the parks’ most famous residents? Thanks to a series of live webcams, children can also still watch some of Edinburgh’s zoo’s favourites such as the penguins and pandas.

Five Sisters Zoo
Website: fivesisterszoo.co.uk
Throughout the current lockdown period, the West Lothian-based zoo is offering short online classes, twice a week on YouTube and social media, along with accompanying activity sheets for children and families to complete at home. Join Head of Education Adam as he takes a journey through the zoo, meeting keepers, watching animals and helping children learn about topics such as habitats and adaptation.

V&A Dundee
Website: www.vam.ac.uk
Scotland’s first Design Museum has been inspiring designers of all ages since it opened its doors in Dundee. While visiting isn’t possible just now, there are still plenty of ways to get those creative juices flowing during this latest period of homeschooling. V&A Dundee has developed a range of challenges, design prompts and resources inspired by the museum, its exhibitions and its programme. Explore the now-closed Mary Quant exhibition, learn more about textiles and construction, brand and marketing, along with the wider social context of the Quant era. Younger learners can take inspiration from Dundee’s comic book history by designing their own comic strip.

Glasgow Science Centre
Website: www.glasgowsciencecentre.org
For budding young scientists fascinated by the world we live in, Glasgow Science Centre is bringing back its award-winning GSC at Home series. Curated by its team of science communicators and linked to the curriculum, it offers a fun way to still enjoy the wonders of science as part of homeschooling. Aimed at families, particularly those with young children, there are 115 videos to explore or you can tune in every day at 10am and join the team as you learn together about subjects such as the Solar System or the Human Body.

Glasgow’s Museums (including Kelvingrove Museum)
Website: www.glasgowlife.org.uk
With learning resources such as virtual tours and PowerPoint presentations covering topics like Art and Design and Social Subjects, Glasgow Life’s Museums’ learning programme is a fantastic educational resource for both teachers and parents. Explore Ancient Egypt with a virtual visit to Kelvingrove Museum or for older school children use Glasgow’s museums renowned collections as the starting point for discussions, creative activities and critical thinking.

Dynamic Earth
Website: www.dynamicearthonline.co.uk
To help homeschoolers, Dynamic Earth has created a new online portal sharing ideas and try-at-home experiments, covering topics such as Climate and Sustainability, Oceans and Space. Inspired by experiences you can enjoy during a visit to Dynamic Earth, little learners can discover more about different habitats, try hands-on activities such as making a tornado in a glass or even design their own dinosaur.

Historic Environment Scotland
Website: www.historicenvironment.scot
Take a virtual step back in time and let Historic Environment Scotland bring history to life for learners during lockdown. #learningwithHES offers interactive ideas to engage children with Scotland’s past. Take a 3D tour of Caerlaverock Castle, let junior tour guides tell you more about Doune Castle, build a catapult with the Craft Knight or recreate an old recipe from Scottish history, there are a host of activities inspired by Scotland’s heritage for youngsters to discover until travel is possible again.

National Museums Scotland
Website: www.nms.ac.uk/museum-at-home/
While visiting a museum might not be possible just now, National Museum Scotland has sought inspiration from some of its exhibits to offer a range of resources for parents and teachers. Museum at Home covers topics within Social Studies, Languages and STEM. Primary pupils can try museum yoga with moves inspired by museum objects, make paper art inspired by Scottish wildlife or learn about the Ancient Egyptians. Meanwhile, secondary school children can explore minerals using a mobile phone or discover Scottish stories from the First World War.

Elgin Museum
Website: elginmuseum.org.uk/education-and-outreach/
With a Museum Musings blog, YouTube videos and a host of engaging activities, there will be plenty to excite young learners at home until this Moray attraction reopens. With an aim of helping people enjoy the history of the area, the museum will be sharing ideas, insights and star objects across their social media channels, including how to play museum bingo, creating your own excavation and learning about the Stone Age.

Aberdeen Science Centre
Website: aberdeensciencecentre.org
Every Thursday join the team at Aberdeen Science Centre for #StayHomeScience, a fun, science-related activity children can take part in at home with a handy instruction video to guide you through each activity. Virtual learners can then head over to the ASC YouTube channel to view more videos teaching young science enthusiasts about topics such as the immune system, weather and gravity.

Aberdeen Archives, Galleries and Museums (including Aberdeen Art Gallery)
Website: www.aberdeencity.gov.uk
Taking inspiration from Aberdeen’s cultural collections, Aberdeen City Council is embracing new ways to share the city’s stories and artworks with virtual visitors. Families can discover, create and learn together at home with access to a range of online art and music activities to encourage creativity, including exploring the BP Portrait Award 2020 exhibition.

Scottish Maritime Museum, Irvine
Website: www.scottishmaritimemuseum.org
The Scottish Maritime Museum offers an online learning programme for pupils. The cross-curricular Ship to Shore Online Learning Workshops, which centre on the Scottish Maritime Museum’s most popular Curriculum for Excellence linked STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) activities, are available from until the end of February 2021.
The Scottish Maritime Museum, which is based on the Harbourside in Irvine, Ayrshire, offers resources on topics and activities as fascinating and engaging as the life of Scotland’s lifeline Puffer boats, buoyancy and Archimedes’ ‘Eureka’ moment, the design of the Titanic and how to send ‘socially-distanced’ Morse Code messages to classmates.

For more inspiration and ideas to discover Scotland from home visit: Website: www.visitscotland.com

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Lanarkshire News

Top tips for visiting the Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating Show

Now in its 30th year, the show is the go-to exhibition for any self-builders or renovators looking for practical tips, expert advice, or the chance to view 1000s of products.

Summerlee celebrates four millionth visitor

Summerlee Museum of Industrial life welcomed its four millionth visitor since opening its doors in 1988.

Spread your wings with new butterfly experience at Amazonia

Amazonia, Scotland's popular temperature controlled tropical indoor forest, has launched a new butterfly experience.

New Finds at Culloden Battlefield shed more light on intensity of battle

Latest investigations by National Trust for Scotland archaeologists at Culloden Battlefield have recovered a wide range of artefacts.

Topgolf Glasgow to host live Masters watch party

Calling all golfers! Topgolf Glasgow is hosting 'The Final Round – Live' on Sunday 14th April, it's an unmissable event to celebrate golf's most prestigious tournament!

Scottish Game Fair returns for its 35th year

The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) Scottish Game Fair (SGF) is back for 2024, celebrating its 35-year anniversary at Scone Palace.

Dobbies Garden Centres unveils Afternoon Tea and Planting Experience

Dobbies, the UK's leading garden centre, is inviting plant enthusiasts and foodies alike to a brand new Afternoon Tea and Planting Experience at its stores nationwide.

POSTPONED: Springfest at Loch Lomond Shores

This year's Springfest, set to take place this weekend, has been postponed due to forecasted high winds.

Meet your favourite superheroes at M&Ds

M&D's is to host a free weekend for comic fans and movie buffs at Scotland's Theme Park with the chance to meet a packed line-up of favourite characters!

Lanark Amateur Musical Society raise a thousand pounds for their 2024 charity partner

Lanark Amateur Musical Society (LAMS) have raised £1000 for Cancer Research UK as part of their 2024 charity partnership.

Airdrie Town Hall to reopen with exciting entertainment lineup for 2024

Airdrie Town Hall will reopen in April as an entertainment and arts venue, following its use in recent years by NHS Lanarkshire.

Bothwell Castle reopens to visitors

Bothwell Castle, one of medieval Scotland's most outstanding monuments, has reopened to visitors.

Historic sites across Scotland get ready to reopen their doors

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has announced that over twenty sites across the country are set to reopen their doors to visitors this weekend.

Diabetes Scotland will host a virtual event for young people 11 to 25 living with type 1 diabetes

Join Diabetes Scotland for a virtual event about an exciting new programme supporting children and young people 11 - 25 living with type 1 diabetes - Together Type 1.

Iconic Noughties stars make cheeky comeback to launch limited edition IRN BRU flavours

Noughties stars The Cheeky Girls, Gareth Gates and S Club 7's Bradley McIntosh have taken a sip back in time to mark the release of IRN-BRU's new 2000s-inspired flavours!

Playsport in East Kilbride is set to welcome a new state of the art racing simulator centre GP Racing Simulators

GP Racing Simulators will incorporate 10 professional grade racing simulators, each equipped with a racing seat, steering wheel, pedals and a 43" monitor, alongside a licensed bar and dining complex.

Free activities this Easter at Dobbies

Dobbies is welcoming families along to 68 of its stores this Easter to enjoy an array of free activities, including its Little Seedlings Club workshop and Easter Holiday sessions.

Deadline looms for 30th Scottish Thistle Awards public nominations

The search is on to find the best of the best in Scottish tourism as the Scottish Thistles Awards returns.

Springfest is back this April... with all things foodie as well as a host of entertainment and things to do!

This year's FREE Springfest is playing host to two great Scottish chefs – Niall Murray and Rohan Wadke, who will inspire visitors with their FREE cooking demonstrations.

Fun family favourites leap into action on the big screen this Easter break at Vue

A host of brand-new family favourites are landing at Vue this Easter, meaning there are plenty of opportunities to spend quality family time at the big screen during the holidays.

Tee up a Hoppy Easter Half Term for all the Family at Topgolf Glasgow

From an Easter Egg-stravaganza on Easter Sunday to high-tech golf games suitable for all the family, Topgolf Glasgow is a must-visit destination during the half-term break.

A taste of what is to come at Paisley Food and Drink Festival

Spring is in the air and with it comes the return of one of Scotland's largest outdoor food and drink festivals to Paisley!

Double billed award winning dance theatre show involving Cumbernauld youth talent, prepares to take the stage at Lanternhouse

And The Birds Did Sing, presented by Curious Seed, will be arriving in Cumbernauld on Thursday 26th March, for one performance.

Energy leaders to host open day for local community

LEADING UK renewable energy developer, OnPath Energy (formerly Banks Renewables), is set to host an open day for community grant funding generated by a nearby wind farm.

M&Ds will host a special Preview Weekend to launch their new season!

Centre stage will be the unveiling of a new ride – the Air Raid - a thrill ride that will take you to your limits!

National Theatre of Scotland announce full cast and creative team for Maggie & Me

Full cast and creatives announced for the tour of Maggie & Me, the first stage adaptation of Damian Barr's award-winning memoir touring UK in May and June!

Dobbies invites nominations for national community initiative

Dobbies today launches Dobbies Community Gardens, to offer support for community and charity groups across the UK to help transform, restore or start their indoor or outdoor green spaces.

Scottish stovies and strange sheep are announced as the winning entries for The Glencairn Glass crime short story competition

A sinister story involving 'stovies' and a grisly tale about the strange sheep of Greshornish have been chosen as the winning and runner-up stories in The Glencairn Glass crime short story competition

Easter fun for every bunny with the National Trust For Scotland

Popular Listings

Airdrie Town Hall Chatelherault Country Park East Kilbride Arts Centre East Kilbride Village Theatre Lanark Memorial Hall Lanternhouse Cumbernauld Motherwell Concert Hall and Theatre Rutherglen Town Hall Strathclyde Country Park The Town House Hamilton

Learn at home whilst exploring Scotland virtually

With schools closed to most pupils, some of Scotland's most popular visitor attractions are offering homeschooling help to parents across the country!

Sponsored Links

Latest Lanarkshire News

Sponsored Links

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

Popular Listings