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 Glasgow News

Scottish Doctor Who actor to lead The Woman in Black at the Theatre Royal Glasgow

PW Productions is delighted to announce casting for Susan Hill's The Woman in Black, as it returns to the Theatre Royal Glasgow.

Scottish dancer to appear in The Red Shoes in first tour stop in Glasgow

The King's Theatre, Glasgow is delighted to reveal the full cast and tour dates for Matthew Bourne's double Olivier award-winning, smash hit production of The Red Shoes.

Braehead Shopping Centre is your place for festive fashion, food and fun this Christmas

Christmas is in full swing at Braehead Shopping Centre, and Scotland's leading retail and leisure destination is once again the place to celebrate the magic of the festive season!

Solasta Residence supports Beatson Cancer Charity through festive giving tree initiative

Solasta Residence in Glasgow has launched its first Giving Tree in support of Beatson Cancer Charity.

The Pavilion Theatre, Glasgow unveils exciting new programme for 2026

The Pavilion Theatre Glasgow is set to light up 2026 with a thrilling year of music, theatre and comedy.

Wingstop UKI opens its doors at Silverburn

Leading retail and leisure destination, Silverburn, has turned up the heat on its dining line-up with the official opening of Wingstop UKI, bringing even more flavour and choice to guests.

90s pop icon joins the cast of Mean Girls

Faye Tozer to star alongside Kiara Dario as Gretchen Wieners in the award-winning musical Mean Girls, coming to the King's Theatre in Glasgow from Monday 29th June!

DF Concerts & Events launches The DF Academy

DF Concerts launches the DF Academy to strengthen pathways between education and Scotland's live music & events industry.

Dr Gillian Shirreffs launches the 12 Days of Christmas with new book Elephant

Dr Gillian Shirreffs launches the 12 Days of Christmas with Beatson Cancer Charity this month.

Popular lifestyle brand Oliver Bonas opens at Silverburn

Silverburn, Scotland's leading retail and leisure destination, has welcomed much-loved independent fashion, jewellery and homewares retailer Oliver Bonas.

Win your way to the IRN BRU Carnival

The Duck Hunt is back bigger and better with over 150 ducks hidden across Glasgow and beyond!

New film on resistance to Home Office raid on Kenmure Street to be released next year

Scottish distributor Conic has acquired all UK and Ireland rights for Everybody to Kenmure Street, a new documentary about Glasgow's community resistance to a Home Office raid in 2021.

Sean Batty joins Glasgow businesses to champion choose local at Christmas cry

STV presenter visits Glasgow West End's Business Improvement District to highlight the vital role that local people can play in the the final festive push.

Everyman presents Nationwide preview screenings of Sentimental Value

See the highly anticipated new comedy drama before anyone else, with preview screenings at Everyman cinemas nationwide.

Edinburgh International Book Festival and Celtic Connections unveil major new partnership

Edinburgh International Book Festival and Celtic Connections unveil major new partnership bringing together Scotland's most celebrated writers and musicians!

Beatson Cancer Charity announces amazing total for Glasgow Santa Dash 2025

Beatson Cancer Charity is thrilled to announce that the Glasgow Santa Dash 2025 has raised more than £100,000 to support people affected by cancer across the west of Scotland.

University of Glasgow launches first Virtual Reality kiosk for Museums in the Metaverse

Imagine visiting a museum and being transported inside the glass cases, to virtually examine artefacts at astonishing proximity and from every possible angle. This is now reality.

Jock and the Beanstalk panto stars support Social Bite Festival of Kindness

Pavilion Panto stars headed to Social Bite's Festival of Kindness on Vinicombe Street to encourage Glaswegians to donate gifts and funds to support people experiencing homelessness this winter.

DF Concerts & Events celebrates a year of sustainable and inclusive events

DF Concerts & Events is celebrating the success of their sustainability initiatives delivered across their major summer events in 2025.

Full casting announced for Scottish premiere of Single White Female at the Theatre Royal Glasgow

Full casting has been announced as rehearsals begin for the Scottish premiere of Single White Female coming to the Theatre Royal Glasgow in June!

Celebrate the New Year with a sparkling experience at The Ivy Glasgow

With toasts to celebrate the new year breaking around the world, the experience is not to be missed!

A sweet partnership bringing locally produced, sustainable ice cream to the SEC in time for a packed winter events season

Equi’s Ice Cream, the award-winning Scottish, family-run ice cream maker, is announcing a major new partnership as the official ice cream supplier of the Scottish Event Campus (SEC) in Glasgow.

Teenage Cancer Trust units in Glasgow receive festive surprise from Aldi

Young people receiving cancer treatment in Glasgow have been treated to a surprise delivery of festive goodies from Aldi, helping them celebrate the holiday season away from home.

Step into Christmas at Dalmeny Park with special festive menus and afternoon teas this December

Dalmeny Park is pulling out all the stops to make this festive season truly magical, unveiling its 2025 festive dining menus and afternoon teas available until 23rd December.

Big Fat Bingo of The Year shows announced

Christmas is coming in fast, and hot on its heels is the surreal, off-kilter period between Xmas and NYE... Bongo's Bingo have got just the tonic to help see out the final days of 2025!

Scottish jazz talent in tune as award winners unveiled

The Scottish Jazz Awards 2025 celebrated the cream of the crop in the jazz scene on Sunday night, honouring outstanding artists and contributors at a memorable ceremony in Glasgow.

Anna Campbell Jones launches small batch Scottish botanical rum distilled in Glasgow

Interior designer, BBC Scotland's Home of the Year judge and entrepreneur Anna Campbell-Jones has released her first spirit.

Best burger in Scotland is now available in Glasgow for Christmas

Glasgow's Winter Wonderland gives visitors a taste of the festive season with foodie highlights including Scotland's best burger!

Award winning Rickshaw & Co launches its festive menu in Glasgow

Rickshaw & Co has launched its festive menu, bringing bold Indian and Bangladeshi flavours to December in Partick.

From plate to print: Kirsty Wark celebrates artistic legacy of great aunt

Glasgow Print Studio is thrilled to announce the release of a new limited-edition print by journalist, TV presenter and writer Kirsty Wark as part of their Call & Response series.

Popular Listings

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum King's Theatre Glasgow King Tut's Wah Wah Hut O2 Academy Glasgow SEC Armadillo Theatre Royal Glasgow The Pavilion Theatre Glasgow The Glasgow Barrowland Ballroom The Glasgow Royal Concert Hall The OVO Hydro

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 Glasgow News

Sponsored Links

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

Popular Listings