Schools programme

At the Water of Leith Conservation Trust, we offer engaging educational programmes for school groups, tailored to meet the Experiences and Outcomes of the 5-14 Curriculum for Excellence. Our programmes, which are located at The Water of Leith Visitor Centre at 24 Lanark Road, Edinburgh, provide experiential learning opportunities in our fully resourced classroom, our popular interactive river exhibition and on the banks of the Water of Leith. The Programmes are supported by City of Edinburgh Council's Children and Families Department.

Click here to see our Brochure and Programme

This autumn we are pleased to welcome our new Education Officer Ruth Prince who will be leading the Trust’s well-established programmes for schools as well as introducing our exciting new Winter Outreach Programme, ‘Bringing the Water of Leith into the Classroom.’ and special hour sessions covering the Water Cycle, Food Chains and Water of Leith Wildlife.  All schools can book Ruth to visit their class during the winter months for a half-day session which brings the wildlife, human history and conservation of the Water of Leith to their school; however those schools within walking distance of the Water of Leith can experience a full-day programme, combining the classroom experience with a nature walk to their local patch of river. So take a look at what is on offer and take learning outdoors. Click on this link to download our latest newsletter and programmes

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION NEWSLETTER AND PROGRAMME

Living Things, Wild Places, Our Environment

Bugs, Slugs and Beasties                                                        P1-P4 (Centre)

Explore the world of invertebrates: investigate their habitats; learn about food chains, and find out more about their important role in nature.

Activities: Interactive Exhibition, Environmental Activity Walk, Environmental Surveys, Art

Water & Rivers                                                                       P3-S2 (Centre)

Explore a chosen section of the river and learn about the diversity of its wildlife and human history, see the water cycle in action, and consider ways in which this valuable resource can be conserved.

Activities: Interactive Exhibition, Environmental Activity Walk, River Dipping, Environmental Surveys, Art

Woodland Places: Seasonal Changes                                     P1-P7 (Centre)

Explore the rich diversity of woodland habitats: investigate life cycles and food chains; consider the adaptations of woodland plants and animals; and understand the importance of plants to life on earth.

Activities: Interactive Exhibition, Sensory and Discovery Walk, Environmental Surveys, Art

Our Environment . . . A Sustainable Future                            P3-S2 (Centre)

A programme of activities that challenges young people to make a connection with the natural world, to consider the impact of human activity upon their local environment, and to re-examine the ways in which we use resources.

Activities: Interactive Exhibition, Environmental Investigation of the Water of Leith, Personal Action Plans for Sustainable Living, Art

 Biodiversity Matters                                                               P3-S2 (Centre)

Investigate the importance and interdependency of all living things, with an emphasis upon the local environment.

Activities: Slide talk, Interactive Exhibition, Biodiversity Quiz, Environmental Education Outdoor Activities, Story telling, Art

People and Place: Past and Present

Canals and Transport: Past and Present                               P2-S1 (Centre)

Discover the Union Canal, learn about its builders, boatmen and place in Scottish history. Investigate its wildlife and current use.

Activities: Slide Talk, Canal Activity Walk, Art

 Jacobites in Edinburgh                                                           P4-S2 (Centre)

Step back in time to re-live and to explore the issues and consequences of the 1745 occupation of Edinburgh by the Jacobite army.

Activities: Slide Talk, Jacobites at Graysmill Drama Activity Trail, Art

New for 2011

Winter Outreach Programme                            November - March only (School)

Bringing the Water of Leith into the Classroom                    P1-S2         

This winter our outreach programme brings the wildlife, human history and conservation of the Water of Leith to your school.

Half Day Programme - This classroom-based workshop helps students find out about the river in their own community while also giving them opportunities to participate in creative writing, art, and oral presentations.

Full Day Programme - This workshop combines the classroom experience detailed above with an activity walk from the school to the river.

The Plants and Wildlife of the Water of Leith                                 P1-P4

Stroke a badger pelt, investigate life under the surface of the water with a freshwater invertebrate sample, and smell the fishy odour of otter spraint. This hands-on workshop brings the plants and animals of the Water of Leith to your classroom while also teaching children about food chains, life cycles, and the ways in which we as people can look after the plants and animals living on the river. One hour.

Food Chains on the Water of Leith                                                  P3-S2

From algae, to mayfly nymph, to trout, to heron: this workshop teaches students about the many food chains on the river and the ways in which ecological communities are interdependent. Students investigate a freshwater sample for invertebrate life, observe a mummified Pipistrelle bat, and examine the contents of an owl pellet. Younger classes take on the role of different plants and animals in ‘The Great Water of Leith Food Chain Game.’ Older classes act as environmental consultants with real-life scenarios of disruptions to the food chain on the river. They discuss the potential impact of both natural and human disruptions and suggest ways in which we as humans can mitigate the impact. One hour.

 The Water Cycle and the Water of Leith                                         P3-S2

The water cycle is central to life on earth and yet it can be quite challenging for students to understand how it actually affects their lives. In this workshop, we look at the vital role of the Water of Leith in the water cycle and explore key concepts such as run-off and evaporation as they apply on the river. Students explore life under the surface of the water with a freshwater invertebrate sample as well learning about the otters that travel the river from its source in the Pentland Hills to the sea. Younger classes participate in our fun quiz game called ‘From Source to Sea and Back Again.’ Older classes examine potential natural and human disruptions to the water cycle in the form of real-life scenarios. One hour.

Cost

Outreach Programme

One hour £20

Half day   £40

Full day    £60

Centre Programmes (per child)

CEC Schools             £4.00 per child or (min charge £75 per class)

Other Schools           £4.50 per child or (min charge £85 per class)

All our programmes can be tailored to meet differentiated needs. 

Contact us

For more information or to book a programme please call our teacher Ruth Prince or Sandie our administrator on 0131 455 7367 or email admin@waterofleith.org.uk

Visit us at the Water of Leith Visitor Centre, 24 Lanark Road, Edinburgh, EH14 1TQ.  Open Daily 10.00 am to 4.00pm

Lothian buses 44 & 34 stop outside the Visitor Centre and Slateford Station is just minutes away.

All Programmes can also be tailor made to suit your class activities.
For more details, or to book a Programme, please contact us here, or at:

Education Officer
Water of Leith Visitor Centre
24 Lanark Road
Edinburgh
EH14 1TQ
Telephone / Fax: 0131 455 7367 or 0131 443 1682