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- The main purpose of this trip was for students to gather data for their Advanced Higher Biology projects, in which they conduct an experiment and analyse the results whilst drawing on knowledge from the biology syllabus. As Benmore Outdoor Learning Centre is situated near forests, woodlands, gardens, valleys and moorland there was a wide variety of locations for students to carry out their projects. Each student chose an area of study before the trip. Day 1 - Pilot studies. Everyone went off to their various locations, where they would be sampling and carrying out their experiments on day 2. This allowed people to carry out their pilot studies. The pilot study is a small-scale version of the full project and is used to determine if an experiment can be carried out in the conditions present, and if the researcher will see any results. The pilot study was useful as it allowed students to refine their project methodologies and make any alterations necessary. Students also took samples from their area, and later identified them back at Benmore House. Days 2 and 3 - Data collection. Students were again out at various locations, but on these days they were carrying out their actual experiments and recording their findings. In addition to noting their findings the students also logged confounding variables which would have an effect on the dependent variable e.g. soil pH, temperature. To ensure that the results found from these experiments were reliable, the students changed location at least once, where they repeated their experimental procedures (replicate). Again, they collected samples and brought them back to Benmore House to be identified. On day 4 - Completion. some students were finishing off their research/sampling/identification, whilst others were allowed to go on an adventurous activity organised by Benmore Centre staff. These activities included abseiling, kayaking, gorge walking and caving.
- ideally using clicker to count different species of birds present at the time of the visit, possibly returning at a later date, different season etc to add/compare to the data taken previously and talk about migration etc.
- A collaboration between Edinburgh's Thriving Green Spaces project and local schools has brought this wee idea into reality. The aim is for every learning community to have a wild space that they can use for enhancing learning. Whether that is surveying plants and animals for STEM or using the area to relax and "Take Notice" of nature, this project will give young people in Edinburgh the space to grow, learn and connect with nature. Leith Primary and St Mary's have been involved in planting native tree species as well as surveying the area. By surveying current species schools will be able to measure impact of conservation work over time.
- Primary 3 have been learning about the John Muir's Five Ways to Wellbeing in Nature: Take Notice, Be Active, Keep Learning, Connect and Give. This week we focussed on Taking Notice: looking at the world around us looking for signs of spring. We have a lot of hazel growing around Castleview and in Craigmillar Castle Park. We were able to identify these trees as they have early catkins and tiny blossom. You might be able to spot the tiny red flower just below the long green catkin. Once this is pollinated by another tree it grows into a lovely hazelnut the fruit of the Hazel tree. The kids were incredibly excited to find this tiny flower and were hugely motivated to try and spot more tiny signs of spring.
- This is a great, small and secure place for OL in Leith. There is a number of willow structures, a circle of stumps to sit on, trees to climb and lots of plant species to learn about. The park has a fence around the outside making it safe for younger pupils. Our Forest Friday group from nursery use this space weekly.
- This free event is currently running from now until March 2023. Schools are invited to book via The Collective website. Pupils were able to play with loose parts and touch different textures within the exhibition. We built this visit into an outdoor learning lesson as we walked up Calton Hill and around the monuments. We spent a long time at the trig point admiring the view!
- The children worked in pairs at the top of the hill to identify the features of the natural landscape that they could see. From the top of the hill you can see hills, mountains, oceans, coastline and valleys.
- Literacy lessons - creating muddy recipes. Pupils have loved playing in the outdoor kitchen and I was looking for ways to extend this play. Pupils wrote their own recipes. However, some worked in small groups to "cook" using the new recipes.
- Liberton Primary Staff spent October in-service day with the Outdoor Learning Team up at Bonaly. We had lots of fun exploring how to take learning outdoors. During our session on Expressive Art, we looked at the work of Andy Goldsworthy. We created spirals using fallen leaves. Staff were tasked to create a spiral that showed gradient of colour. Much discussion was had about how simple activities could be connected to a range of curriculum subjects and topics. We discussed the mediative nature of creating spirals and labyrinths and how these can be created using found natural materials or rope. Staff created a school autumn mandala which each group added to during the session. We also looked at the power of storytelling to bring topics to life and connect children with nature.
- Embracing the conker season and loving it. Conkers are one of the most wonderous and joyous treats of the season. All ages loved breaking them open to discover the treasure inside. Children were limited on the amounts they could collect due to the environmental impact "Pick a little, if there is a lot and not at all if there is a little." P3 and P7 used palm drills to drill holes in the conkers to make necklaces and other craft. Before drilling the class discussed how we would use the tools safely. I demonstrated and had a small group at a time drilling while the rest of the class hunted for other types of seeds in the surrounding area. We also made spider webs using colourful wool and cocktail sticks and some made little creatures.
City of Edinburgh Council Outdoor Learning Team – Learn more at www.experienceoutdoors.org.uk.
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