
About Giants Explorer
Step into the world of colossal creatures. This hands-on learning experience and gallery safari is designed to ignite curiosity about prehistoric giant animals – including surprisingly enormous invertebrates!
Pupils investigate the science of size, extinction, and survival and build models of giant minibeasts and consider current issues around the protection of our natural world.
Available from February 2027.
What will my pupils do in the workshop?
This workshop is led by our Learning team and split into two parts. Pupils will go on a guided gallery tour and take part in a workshop in our Learning Centre.
Pupils will:
- Explore the range of giant animals on display across our galleries
- Discuss giant animals from history and today
- Investigate giant prehistoric invertebrates and their environment
- Construct giant minibeast models in small groups
- Compare model sizes to real creatures
- Reflect on extinction causes and modern biodiversity threats
- Develop teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
Workshop breakdown
(details)
- 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
Available dates
February 2027
Wed 24 Feb 2027 - 10:15 and 11:45
Thu 25 Feb 2027 - 10:15 and 11:45
March 2027
Wed 10 Mar 2027 - 10:15 and 11:45
Thu 11 Mar 2027 - 10:15 and 11:45
May 2027
Tue 25 May 2027 - 10:15 and 11:45
Wed 26 May 2027 - 10:15 and 11:45
Thu 27 May 2027 - 10:15 and 11:45
June 2027
Mon 14 Jun 2027 - 10:15 and 11:45
Tue 15 Jun 2027 - 10:15 and 11:45
Wed 16 Jun 2027 - 10:15 and 11:45
Thu 17 Jun 2027 - 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
- SIMD Designation: Schools must be located in areas classified as SIMD 1 or SIMD 2 (where at least 60% of pupils are also classified as SIMD 1 or 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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