
Eco Explorer
About Eco Explorer
Bring your class to the National Museum of Scotland for a hands-on journey into Scotland’s biodiversity, habitats, and environmental challenges. Discover, engage, and help shape a sustainable future.
Available from February 2026.
What will my pupils do in the workshop?
This workshop is delivered by our Learning team on gallery and in our Learning Centre.
Pupils will:
- Explore museum galleries to discover Scotland’s habitats -past and present
- Identify animals and minibeasts from 6000 years ago to today
- Take part in a biodiversity quiz using real objects and sounds
- Investigate threats to Scottish wildlife and habitats
- Handle museum specimens and use magnifiers to examine insects
- Take part in interactive games and activities to reinforce learning
- Explore ways to care for the environment and promote sustainability
- Take home a class packet of seeds to grow wildflowers at school
- Develop teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills
- Curriculum links
SCN 1-01a, SCN 2-01a
SCN 1-02a, SCN 2-02a
SCN 1-20a, SCN 2-20b
TCH 1 –02a TCH 2 –02a
SOC 1-08a, SOC 2-08a
HWB 1-11a / HWB 2-11a
LIT 1-02a, LIT 2-02a
LIT 1-07a, LIT 2-07a
- Sustainable development goals
4, 13, 14, 15
- Meta skills framework
Self-management: Focusing, Adapting, Integrity
Social intelligence: Communicating, Collaborating, Feeling
Innovation: Curiosity, Sense-making, Critical thinking
Available dates
This session is available Monday to Thursday at 11:00 during term time. Please include two dates in order of preference in your booking request and we will do our best to accommodate.
Request a visit
Booking Terms and Conditions
Payment process
- Scottish State schools should raise a Purchase Order through their Local Authority procurement system for the cost of charged sessions. Purchase Order numbers should be notified to schools@nms.ac.uk at least 7 days in advance of the visit.
- Independent Schools will be invoiced after the visit. Payment terms are 15 days from date of invoice.
Cancellation Policy
- National Museums Scotland reserve the right to charge a fee for short notice cancellations or no-shows.
- Bookings cancelled less than 3 weeks prior to the visit will incur an administration fee of 50% of the value of chargeable events.
- Bookings cancelled less than 2 weeks prior to the visit will incur an administration fee of 100% of the value of chargeable events.
- A charge of 100% of the value of booked sessions will apply to no-show or last-minute cancellations.
- In certain circumstances National Museums Scotland may waive the administration fee.
- Cancellations should be notified in writing to schools@nms.ac.uk.
Free access for SIMD 1&2 schools
National Museums Scotland (NMS) Free Workshop Policy: Terms and Conditions
Eligibility and Access Policy for Free Workshops
As part of our commitment to inclusive education and community engagement, National Museums Scotland (NMS) is pleased to offer 20% of our educational workshops free of charge to schools located in areas designated as SIMD 1 and 2, based on the Scottish Government's Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD). The following terms and conditions apply:
Eligibility Criteria
- SIMD Designation: Schools must be located in areas classified as SIMD 1 or SIMD 2 to qualify for free workshops.
- Verification: Eligibility will be verified using the latest SIMD data provided by the Scottish Government. Schools may be required to provide documentation or additional information to confirm their eligibility.
Workshop Availability
- Limited Slots: Free workshops are subject to availability, with 20% of our total workshop offerings reserved for eligible schools.
- Exclusions: Please note that this offer only applies to workshops delivered by National Museums Scotland staff and excludes special events, study days and special exhibition visits.
- Advance Booking: Schools are encouraged to book early to secure a place, as free workshop slots are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Waiting List: In the event that all free workshop slots are filled, eligible schools can be placed on a waiting list and will be notified if a slot becomes available.
Terms of Participation
- No Transport Cost Support: NMS does not provide financial support for transport costs. Schools are responsible for arranging and funding their own transportation to and from the museum.
- Cancellations: Schools must notify NMS at least two weeks in advance if they need to cancel a booking. Repeated cancellations without adequate notice may affect future eligibility for free workshops.
- Feedback: Participating schools may be asked to provide feedback on the workshops to help us improve our educational offerings. Participation in feedback activities is appreciated but not mandatory.
- Class cap: Workshop offer is limited to 4 classes from a school for each school session.
Application Process
- Application Form: Interested schools must complete the appropriate section in the booking request form.
- Supporting Documents: Schools may need to submit supporting documents to verify their eligibility based on SIMD status.
- Confirmation: Successful applicants will receive a confirmation email with details of their workshop booking.
We are dedicated to making our educational resources accessible to all and look forward to welcoming eligible schools to National Museums Scotland.
By participating in our workshops, schools agree to adhere to the above terms and conditions. NMS reserves the right to modify these terms and conditions at any time.
July 2024
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