Free open educational resources from the University of Edinburgh to download and adapt for primary and secondary teaching.
Winner of the 2021 OEGlobal Awards for Excellence Open Curation Award for this collection of high quality student made OER on the TES platform.
Free open educational resources from the University of Edinburgh to download and adapt for primary and secondary teaching.
Winner of the 2021 OEGlobal Awards for Excellence Open Curation Award for this collection of high quality student made OER on the TES platform.
âInvestigating Edinburghâs Geological Pastâ is created for learners aged 12-14 at the S2 level, introducing basic geological ideas and skills and encouraging learners to explore the rich geological heritage of Edinburgh. (for a full description of this OER series, see the Session One description, with a link in a section below)
This session is a field trip to Holyrood Park to observe sandstones at Camstone Quarry and igneous rocks at âThe Dassesâ to learn about past environments and how rocks form and erode, by means of hands-on activities. The pack includes a student workbook in Word.docx and PDF formats, along with a Teacherâs guide to help teachers run a class with the slides.
Links to the accompanying sessions:
One: Rock Descriptions: Teaching and demonstration of three different rock types and their formation, followed by a hands-on activity in describing rocks.
Two: Carboniferous Edinburgh and Fieldwork Preparation: Exploring the Carboniferous environment using BGS poster; Preparation for the field trip by writing aims and hypothesis and practising field sketches.
Three: Holyrood Park Field Trip (this session): Field trip to Holyrood Park to visit Camstone Quarry (Sandstones and past environments) and The Dasses (intrusive igneous rocks, cooling rates and erosion).
Four: Reconstructing Past Environments: Group work using Evidence Packs and field trip observations to determine what the environment during the Carboniferous period was like. Students to write a postcard to consolidate this knowledge as a picture and in text.
Five: Edinburgh in 100 yearsâ Time: Consideration of different development pressures on Holyrood Park in the future. Students work in groups to present a proposed development.
Experiences and Outcomes of this session:
SOC 3-07a: Having investigated processes which form and shape landscapes I can explain their impact on selected landscapes in Scotland, Europe and beyond.
SCN3-17a: Through evaluation of a range of data, I can describe the formation, characteristics and uses of soils, minerals and basic types of rocks.
MNU 3-11a: I can solve practical problems by applying my knowledge of measure, choosing the appropriate units and degree of accuracy for the task and using a formula to calculate area or volume when required.
âInvestigating Edinburghâs Geological Pastâ was created by Jenny Ridout, adapted into an OER by Mayu Ishimoto. The resource is available under a Creative Commons AttributionShareAlike 4.0 license unless otherwise stated.
Header Image Attribution: Arthurâs Seat by Jenny Ridout, 2023, CC BY-SA.
âInvestigating Edinburghâs Geological Pastâ is created for learners aged 12-14 at the S2 level from the University of Edinburghâs GeoScience Outreach Course. It introduces basic ideas of geology, such as geological time, rocks and fossils, and geological skills. Throughout the five sessions, learners are encouraged to explore the rich geological heritage of Edinburgh and to develop a range of skills to determine what the past environment of Edinburgh was like. The resource has been created as an Interdisciplinary Learning (IDL) resource, primarily between Geography and Science with relevant English skills. It will encourage students to integrate the knowledge and skills they have learnt from different subjects and use them to approach a subject that may be new to them.
This session explores the Carboniferous environment using BGS and prepares students for the field trip by writing aims and hypothesis and practising field sketches. The pack includes a set of slides in Powerpoint and PDF formats and worksheets in Word.docx and PDF formats, along with a Teacherâs guide to help teachers run a class with the slides.
Links to the accompanying sessions:
One: Rock Descriptions: Teaching and demonstration of three different rock types and their formation, followed by a hands-on activity in describing rocks.
Two: Carboniferous Edinburgh and Fieldwork Preparation (this session): Exploring the Carboniferous environment using BGS poster; Preparation for the field trip by writing aims and hypothesis and practising field sketches.
Three: Holyrood Park Field Trip: Field trip to Holyrood Park to visit Camstone Quarry (Sandstones and past environments) and The Dasses (intrusive igneous rocks, cooling rates and erosion).
Four: Reconstructing Past Environments: Group work using Evidence Packs and field trip observations to determine what the environment during the Carboniferous period was like. Students to write a postcard to consolidate this knowledge as a picture and in text.
Five: Edinburgh in 100 yearsâ Time: Consideration of different development pressures on Holyrood Park in the future. Students work in groups to present a proposed development.
Experiences and Outcomes of this session:
SOC 3â14a: I can use a range of maps and geographical information systems to gather, interpret and present conclusions and can locate a range of features within Scotland, UK, Europe and the wider world.
âInvestigating Edinburghâs Geological Pastâ was created by Jenny Ridout, adapted into an OER by Mayu Ishimoto. The resource is available under a Creative Commons AttributionShareAlike 4.0 license unless otherwise stated.
Header Image Attribution: Arthurâs Seat by Jenny Ridout, 2023, CC BY-SA.
âInvestigating Edinburghâs Geological Pastâ is an Interdisciplinary Learning (IDL) resource created for learners aged 12-14 at the S2 level from the University of Edinburghâs GeoScience Outreach Course. It introduces basic ideas of geology, such as geological time, rocks and fossils, and geological skills. It consists of five lessons (sessions) including a field trip to Holyrood Park for the Session 3, and the Session 5 can be taught as a standalone lesson as well. Throughout the five sessions, learners are encouraged to explore the rich geological heritage of Edinburgh and to develop a range of skills to determine what the past environment of Edinburgh was like.
The pack includes a set of slides in Powerpoint and PDF formats and worksheets in Word.docx and PDF formats, along with a Teacherâs guide to help teachers run a class with the slides.
Links to the accompanying sessions:
One: Rock Descriptions: Teaching and demonstration of three different rock types and their formation, followed by a hands-on activity in describing rocks.
Two: Carboniferous Edinburgh and Fieldwork Preparation: Exploring the Carboniferous environment using BGS poster; Preparation for the field trip by writing aims and hypothesis and practising field sketches.
Three: Holyrood Park Field Trip: Field trip to Holyrood Park to visit Camstone Quarry (Sandstones and past environments) and The Dasses (intrusive igneous rocks, cooling rates and erosion).
Four: Reconstructing Past Environments: Group work using Evidence Packs and field trip observations to determine what the environment during the Carboniferous period was like. Students to write a postcard to consolidate this knowledge as a picture and in text.
Five: Edinburgh in 100 yearsâ Time (this session): Consideration of different development pressures on Holyrood Park in the future. Students work in groups to present a proposed development.
Experiences and Outcomes of this session:
SOC 3â08a: I can identify the possible consequences of an environmental issue and make informed suggestions about ways to manage the impact.
LIT 3-29a: I can persuade, argue, evaluate, explore issues or express an opinion using a clear line of thought, relevant supporting detail and/or evidence.
âInvestigating Edinburghâs Geological Pastâ was created by Jenny Ridout, adapted into an OER by Mayu Ishimoto. The resource is available under a Creative Commons AttributionShareAlike 4.0 license unless otherwise stated.
Header Image Attribution: Arthurâs Seat by Jenny Ridout, 2023, CC BY-SA.
âInvestigating Edinburghâs Geological Pastâ is an Interdisciplinary Learning (IDL) resource created for learners aged 12-14 at the S2 level from the University of Edinburghâs GeoScience Outreach Course. It introduces basic geological knowledge and skills. Throughout the five sessions, learners are encouraged to explore the rich geological heritage of Edinburgh and to develop a range of skills to determine what the past environment of Edinburgh was like.
This session consists of group work using an Evidence Pack and observations from the field trip during the previous session to determine what the environment during the Carboniferous period was like. Students are also encouraged to consolidate this knowledge as a picture and in text by the postcard writing activity. The pack includes âEvidence Packâ in Word.docx and PDF formats, along with a Teacherâs guide to help teachers run a class with the slides.
Links to the accompanying sessions:
One: Rock Descriptions: Teaching and demonstration of three different rock types and their formation, followed by a hands-on activity in describing rocks.
Two: Carboniferous Edinburgh and Fieldwork Preparation: Exploring the Carboniferous environment using BGS poster; Preparation for the field trip by writing aims and hypothesis and practising field sketches.
Three: Holyrood Park Field Trip: Field trip to Holyrood Park to visit Camstone Quarry (Sandstones and past environments) and The Dasses (intrusive igneous rocks, cooling rates and erosion).
Four: Reconstructing Past Environments (this session): Group work using Evidence Packs and field trip observations to determine what the environment during the Carboniferous period was like. Students to write a postcard to consolidate this knowledge as a picture and in text.
Five: Edinburgh in 100 yearsâ Time: Consideration of different development pressures on Holyrood Park in the future. Students work in groups to present a proposed development.
Experiences and Outcomes of this session:
SOC 3-07a: Having investigated processes which form and shape landscapes I can explain their impact on selected landscapes in Scotland, Europe and beyond.
SCN3-17a: Through evaluation of a range of data, I can describe the formation, characteristics and uses of soils, minerals and basic types of rocks.
ENG 3-27a /ENG 4-27a: I can engage and/or influence readers through my use of language, style and tone as appropriate to genre.
âInvestigating Edinburghâs Geological Pastâ was created by Jenny Ridout, adapted into an OER by Mayu Ishimoto. The resource is available under a Creative Commons AttributionShareAlike 4.0 license unless otherwise stated.
Header Image Attribution: Arthurâs Seat by Jenny Ridout, 2023, CC BY-SA.
Plastic in the Ocean is a project aimed at educating learners about the negative environmental effects of plastic. Over the course of four lessons, the learners are taught what plastic is, why it is bad for the environment and what can be done to address this environmental problem. As well as fun and interactive lessons the learners are given the opportunity to explore the local area collecting litter/plastic, putting what they have learned in the classroom lessons into context with the real-world.
Learning outcomes
Science - Earth Materials
SCN 2-17a: Having explored the substances that make up Earthâs surface, I can compare some of their characteristics and uses.
Science - Topical Science
SCN 2-20a: Through research and discussion, I have an appreciation of the contribution that individuals are making to scientific discovery and invention and the impact this has made on society.
SCN 2-20b: I can report and comment on current scientific news items to develop my knowledge and understanding of topical science.
Social Sciences â People, Place and the Environment
SOC 2-08a: I can discuss the environmental impact of human activity and suggest ways in which we can live in a more environmentally responsible way.
Technologies â Technology Developments in Society and Business
TCH 2-06a: I can analyse how lifestyles can impact on the environment and Earthâs resources, and can make suggestions about how to live in a more sustainable way.
TCH 2-07a: I can make suggestions as to how individuals and organisations may use technologies to support sustainability and reduce the impact on our environment.
Expressive Arts â Art and Design
EXA 2-03a: I can create and present work that shows developing skill in using the visual elements and concepts.
EXA 2-05a: Inspired by a range of stimuli, I can express and communicate my ideas, thoughts and feelings through activities within art and design.
This resource was created as part of the GeoScience Outreach Course which is a 4th year undergraduate course in the School of GeoSciences aiming to provide students with the opportunity to develop their own science communication and engagement project.
This resource was originally designed to be implemented in Queensferry Primary School, located in South Queensferry, Edinburgh. The lessons were taught to Primary 5, Second Level.
Author: Hannah Newberry, adapted by Andrew Ferguson.
Unless otherwise stated, all content is released under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.
Cover image by Wild0ne on Pixabay is licensed under the Pixabay License. Has been cropped and overlay graphics added.
This resource helps Primary School pupils learn about tree identification, their benefits, and biodiversity through two interactive card games.
Background:
The resource was originally developed for local P7 pupils in Edinburgh, based on an OER (Open Educational Resource) by Erica Zaja /teaching-resource/identifying-british-trees-lesson-packs-12701457 and https://open.ed.ac.uk/identifying-british-trees/ as part of the Geoscience Outreach Course at the University of Edinburgh.
Overview and How to Make Use of This Resource:
While this resource is designed for a 45-minute class for P7 at a local primary school in Edinburgh, it is highly flexible and can easily be adapted by teachers. The resource includes two videos and âDevelopment Planâ slides, to make the class interactive and discussion-based, as well as two games to help pupils learn about trees and their benefits. Teachers can choose to leave the Edinburgh-based lesson materials and to create their own or use the resource fully to prompt discussion in the classroom. The games include tree species common in Scotland, but teachers can also add other species as our PowerPoint slides are easily adaptable.
Objectives:
By the end of the session, learners should be able to:
Recall some facts about common trees (Bloomâs âRememberâ)
Identify common trees in Scotland by leaf and tree shape (Bloomâs âUnderstandâ)
Interpret the importance of trees in Scotland (Bloomâs âApplyâ)
Justify why trees should not be cut down (Bloomâs âEvaluateâ)
Experiences and Outcomes:
SCN 2-01a â I can identify and classify examples of living things, past and present, to help me appreciate their diversity. I can relate physical and behavioural characteristics to their survival or extinction.
SCN 2-02b â Through carrying out practical activities and investigations, I can show how plants have benefited society.
LIT 2-25a - I can use my notes and other types of writing to help me understand information and ideas, explore problems, make decisions, generate and develop ideas or create new text.
**This Pack Includes: **
âą Introduction/Development Plan Slides (a copy used in the first video, pptx/pdf)
âą Tree Matching Cards (pptx/pdf)
âą Tree Board Game Cards and Board Template (pptx/pdf)
âą Tree Counters (word docx/pdf)
âą Tree ID Worksheet (word docx/pdf)
âą Tree Benefits Worksheet (word docx/pdf)
âą Guide for the Resource (this document)
âą How to Play the Games (word docx/pdf)
âą Links to two Videos from Mr. Frederick (See details in the Lesson Plan section below)
Author: Erica Zaja, Frederick Madsen, Kay Douglas, adapted by Mayu Ishimoto, 2024, the University of Edinburgh.
The Resource is under CC BY-SA license unless otherwise stated.
These are teaching resources for free use, aimed at the second curriculum level pupils aged 10-12.
The series of seven lessons titled âIntroduction to Archaeologyâ introduces pupils the field of archaeology and the archaeological significance of the Orkney Islands through interactive activities.
Throughout the seven lessons, learners will explore the important concepts around archaeology and the skills to be a good archaeologists, ticking off the skills in the accompanying âArchaeology Skills Passportâ. Learners are encouraged throughout the lessons to think creatively and work collaboratively through a range of activities, such as an excavation, drawing and group discussions, allowing them to develop a range of Experiences and Outcomes (Es&Os, an educational framework identifying a range of learning activities for Scottish Curriculum for Excellence) in a highly interdisciplinary and active way.
Teachers can choose to teach all the lessons or pick any lesson as a standalone class. This pack, âIntroducing Archaeologyâ, is the first lesson of the seven, and it introduces the field of archaeology and the artefacts archaeologists deal with.
What this resource pack includes
This pack includes a set of slides in Powerpoint and PDF formats, along with a Teacherâs guide to help teachers run a class with the slides. The PDF titled âOrganic Inorganicâ is intended for the Organic or Inorganic Category Game as described in the Teacherâs guide. Additionally, the pack includes the Evidence Book and Archaeology Passport PDFs which are intended to be used with all of the lessons as explained in the Teacherâs Guide. These can also be found in each of the lesson packs linked below.
Links to the accompanying lessons
Lesson 1: Introducing Archaeology - this lesson
Lesson 2: Introducing the Orkney Islands
Lesson 3: Excavation
Lesson 4: Human-environment Interactions
Lesson 5: Orkney and Human-Environment Interactions
Lesson 6: Protecting Sites
Lesson 7: Educating the Public
Author: Sam Connor, adapted by August Enger and Mayu Ishimoto.
Unless otherwise stated, all content is released under a CC BY SA 4.0 license.
A power point resource for teachers of biology, geography and environmental science for pupils studying at Advanced Higher (AS-Level, and above), and early FE/HE levels.
Of use for helping to achieve a basic understanding and application of âcentral tendencyâ in fieldwork, assignments and examination questions. It complements the Guide to Descriptive Statistics in Geosciences (/teaching-resource/guide-to-descriptive-statistics-in-geosciences-11308746).
The Cryosphere module introduces what the Cryosphere is, the effects of climate change upon the ice, and the ecosystems it is home to. The Cryosphere 2 Antarctic, ice sheets and shelves, and how these are changing. The Cryosphere 3 then explores the Arctic, glaciers and ice caps, and optical and multispectral remote sensing. Each subsection keeps in mind the growing question of climate change and the effect this will have on the Cryosphere in these locations, and what we could do to monitor or combat this change. These principles are explored through Earth Observation and technological developments, and how this data is presented and analysed by scientists.
This resource makes accessible complex ideas about the atmosphere, what itâs composed of and how we can measure this. The age range is adaptable to learners aged 7-14.
Learning outcomes
Cryosphere 1:
SCN 2-08b: By investigating floating and sinking of objects in water, I can apply my understanding of buoyancy to solve a practical challenge.
SCN 2-15a: By contributing to investigations into familiar changes in substances to produce other substances, I can describe how their characteristics have changed.
SCN 4-06a: By researching developments used to observe or explore space, I can illustrate how our knowledge of the universe has evolved over time.
SOC 3-07a: Having investigated processes which form and shape landscapes. I can explain their impact on selected landscapes in Scotland, Europe and beyond.
Cryosphere 2:
SCN 2-15a: By contributing to investigations into familiar changes in substances to produce other substances, I can describe how their characteristics have changed.
SCN 3-08a: I have collaborated in investigations into the effects of gravity on objects and I can predict what might happen to their weight in different situations on Earth and in space.
SCN 4-06a: By researching developments used to observe or explore space, I can illustrate how our knowledge of the universe has evolved over time.
Cryosphere 3:
SCN 3-08a: I have collaborated in investigations into the effects of gravity on objects and I can predict what might happen to their weight in different situations on Earth and in space.
SCN 4-06a: By researching developments used to observe or explore space, I can illustrate how our knowledge of the universe has evolved over time.
SOC 3-14a: I can use a range of maps and geographical information systems to gather, interpret and present conclusions and can locate a range of features within Scotland, UK, Europe and the wider world.
This resource created by Morag Fotheringham, Ross Slater and Nick Homer, and adapted by Molly Wickett, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Educational level: Second level (SCQF 2-3)
(SCN 2-02a, SCN 2-02b, SCN 3-01a, TCH 2-06a, SCN 3-05b, SOC 2-08a, SOC 2-08b, SOC 3-07a, SOC 3-10a, MTH 2-13a, MNU 2-20a)
This resource by Nula Langmuir explores the concept of rewilding as a form of environmental conservation through art in an accessible and inquisitive way.
It comprises of a set of three lessons, presentations, guides and notes with an optional fourth. The target audience for this resource is learners aged 7-11, involving conservation and the environment. Resource includes slides, lesson plans and notes, worksheets and printable activities.
Lesson 1 comprises of a series of activities, including drawing a landscape, word association and key definitions, and food webs.
Lesson 2 explores rewilding from Space, and the geography of how landscapes has changed over time.
Lesson 3 uses the example of a field trip to Roslin Glen, but the activity can easily be adapted to your local area. The aim is to consider how rewilding may take place on a global and local scale.
Lesson 4 is optional, a reflective activity which asks the learners to recall what they have learnt and evaluate it.
Due to climate change, this layer is changing. The Biosphere 1.1 explores what the Biosphere is made up of, and how it can be studied through technology and satellite imaging. The Biosphere 1.2 explores the effects of climate change, using the case study of forest fires as a naturally occurring yet increasingly extreme event. This looks first at band maths and plant health to establish an understanding of healthy vegetation and how this is then impacted. The impact of forest fires can be viewed through this data set, exploring the use of NDVI indexes and satellite imaging to understand and analyse the extent of the damage.
This resource makes accessible complex ideas about the biosphere, and can be flexibly adapted for learners aged 10-14.
It is suitable as a standalone resource. The information and activity packs match up with the topics covered in other Satschool modules can also supplement and enhance those materials.
Learning outcomes
SCN 3-11b: By exploring radiations beyond the visible, I can describe a selected application, discussing the advantages and limitations.
SCN 3-15: Having contributed to a variety of practical activities to make and break down compounds, I can describe examples of how the properties of compounds are different from their constituent elements.
SCN 3-19a: Through experimentation, I can identify indicators of chemical reactions having occurred. I can describe ways of controlling the rate of reactions and can relate my findings to the world around me.
SCN 3-19b: I have helped to design and carry out practical activities to develop my understanding of chemical reactions involving the Earthâs materials. I can explain how we apply knowledge of these reactions in practical ways.
SCN 4-05b: Through exploring the carbon cycle, I can describe the processes involved in maintaining the balance of gases in the air, considering causes and implications of changes in the balance.
SCN 4-06a: By researching developments used to observe or explore space, I can illustrate how our knowledge of the universe has evolved over time.
SCN 4-11b: By carrying out a comparison of the properties of parts of the electromagnetic spectrum beyond the visible, I can explain the use of radiation and discuss how this has impacted upon society and our quality of life.
SCN 4-20b: Having selected scientific themes of topical interest, I can critically analyse the issues, and use relevant information to develop an informed argument.
SOC 3-08a: I can identify the possible consequences of an environmental issue and make informed suggestions about ways to manage the impact.
SOC 3-14a I can use a range of maps and geographical information systems to gather, interpret and present conclusions and can locate a range of features within Scotland, UK, Europe and the wider world.
SOC 4-10a: I can develop my understanding of the interaction between humans and the environment by describing and assessing the impact of human activity on an area.
This module explores the marine ecosystem and the biological pump, and the impact of small organisms collectively on a global scale. Phytoplankton have been instrumental in the health and development of the Oceans, and this module explores their role in the oceans, how we can measure them and why theyâre important for the climate.
This module is the third in the Oceans series, which follow on and build upon this knowledge to give learners a comprehensive understanding and ability to think creatively, scientifically and critically about studying the Oceans.
The resource makes accessible complex ideas and science around the oceans. This resource can be adapted for learners aged 10-14.
Learning outcomes
SCN 3-02a: I have collaborated on investigations into the process of photosynthesis and I can demonstrate my understanding of why plants are vital to sustaining life on Earth.
SCN 4-01a: understand how animal and plant species depend on each other and how living things are adapted for survival. I can predict the impact of population growth and natural hazards on biodiversity.
SCN 4-05b: Through exploring the carbon cycle, I can describe the processes involved in maintaining the balance of gases in the air, considering causes and implications of changes in the balance.
SOC 3-14a: I can use a range of maps and geographical information systems to gather, interpret and present conclusions and can locate a range of features within Scotland, UK, Europe and the wider world.
This resource created by Penny Clarke, Jenny Crocks and adapted by Molly Wickett, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Cover Image: Algae bloom near the Falkland Islands by NOAA is used in accordance with NOAAâs media and usage guidelines
These are teaching resources for free use, aimed at the second curriculum level pupils aged 10-12.
The series of seven lessons titled âIntroduction to Archaeologyâ introduces pupils the field of archaeology and the archaeological significance of the Orkney Islands through interactive activities.
Throughout the seven lessons, learners will explore the important concepts around archaeology and the skills to be a good archaeologists, ticking off the skills in the accompanying âArchaeology Skills Passportâ. Learners are encouraged throughout the lessons to think creatively and work collaboratively through a range of activities, such as an excavation, drawing and group discussions, allowing them to develop a range of Experiences and Outcomes (Es&Os, an educational framework identifying a range of learning activities for Scottish Curriculum for Excellence) in a highly interdisciplinary and active way.
Teachers can choose to teach all the lessons or pick any lesson as a standalone class. This pack, âExcavationâ, is the third lesson of the seven, and it focuses on an interactive excavation project for hands-on learning with digital alternatives.
What this resource pack includes
This pack includes a set of slides in Powerpoint and PDF formats, along with a Teacherâs guide to help teachers run a class with the slides.
The Word Document titled âArtefact Recordingâ and the Powerpoint slide titled âSite Gridâ, also available in PDF formats, are intended to be used for the indoor/outdoor excavation activity as described in the Teacherâs guide. The PDF titled âSword Shells Vases Cutoutâ is also intended to be used for the excavation to represent artefacts when alternatives are not available. Another Word Document titled âGoogle Earth Investigationâ, also available in a PDF format, is intended to be a guidance for the Google Earth Investigation activity as described in the Teacherâs guide.
Additionally, the pack includes the Evidence Book and Archaeology Passport PDFs which are intended to be used with all of the lessons as explained in the Teacherâs Guide. These can also be found in each of the lesson packs linked below.
Links to the accompanying lessons
To find more Open Educational Resources from the University of Edinburgh, visit open.ed.ac.uk.
Author: Sam Connor, adapted by August Enger and Mayu Ishimoto.
Unless otherwise stated, all content is released under a CC BY SA 4.0 license.