Large 3D origami like sculptures of giant animals, in the giants exhibition space. In the foreground is a woolly mammoth, with glass panels on the legs that show real fossilised bones inside.
New
Schools sessions

Eco Explorer: Giants

About Eco Explorer: Giants

Step into the world of colossal creatures! This hands-on learning experience and exhibition visit is designed to ignite curiosity about prehistoric giants and their modern-day relatives. Pupils investigate the science of size, extinction, and survival and build models of giant insects.

Available from 3 February 2026.

Booking requests open from November 2025.

What will my pupils do in the workshop?

This workshop is led by our Learning team and split into two parts. Pupils will visit the 'Giants' exhibition and take part in a workshop in our Learning Centre. 

Pupils will: 

  • Explore the 'Giants' exhibition, observing fossils and life-sized models
  • Discuss giant animals from history and today
  • Investigate giant prehistoric insects and their environment
  • Create insect models in small groups using craft materials
  • Measure and compare model sizes to real creatures
  • Reflect on extinction causes and modern biodiversity threats
  • Develop teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills 

 

Eco Explorer: Monkeys is available to complement a visit to our current exhibition, 'Monkeys: Our Primate Family'. 

Curriculum links

SCN 1-01a, SCN 2-01a 

SCN 1-02a, SCN 2-02a 

SCN 2-03a 

SCN 1-14a 

TCH 1 –06a   TCH 2 –06a  TCH 2 –07b 

TCH 1-09a  TCH 2-09a  

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

Timings

Check your booking for timings and arrive at the museum at least 15 minutes before the start of your exhibition visit slot. 

Available dates

February 2026

Tue 3 Feb 2026 - 10:15 and 11:45

Tue 10 Feb 2026 - 10:15 and 11:45

Tue 24 Feb 2026 - 10:15 and 11:45

March 2026

Tue 3 Mar 2026 - 10:15 and 11:45

Tue 10 Mar 2026 - 10:15 and 11:45

Tue 17 Mar 2026 - 10:15 and 11:45

Tue 24 Mar 2026 - 10:15 and 11:45

Tue 31 Mar 2026 - 10:15 and 11:45

April 2026

Tue 28 Apr 2026 - 10:15 and 11:45

May 2026

Tue 12 May 2026 - 10:15 and 11:45

Tue 19 May 2026 - 10:15 and 11:45

Tue 26 May 2026 - 10:15 and 11:45

June 2026

Tue 2 Jun 2026 - 10:15 and 11:45

Tue 9 Jun 2026 - 10:15 and 11:45

Tue 16 Jun 2026 - 10:15 and 11:45

Tue 23 Jun 2026 - 10:15 and 11:45

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 

  1. SIMD Designation: Schools must be located in areas classified as SIMD 1 or SIMD 2 to qualify for free workshops. 
  2. 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 

  1. Limited Slots: Free workshops are subject to availability, with 20% of our total workshop offerings reserved for eligible schools. 
  2. 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.
  3. 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. 
  4. 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 

  1. 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. 
  2. 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. 
  3. 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. 
  4. Class cap: Workshop offer is limited to 4 classes from a school for each school session. 

Application Process 

  1. Application Form: Interested schools must complete the appropriate section in the booking request form. 
  2. Supporting Documents: Schools may need to submit supporting documents to verify their eligibility based on SIMD status. 
  3. 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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