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.
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 of the different terms used to describe data and variables commonplace in literature on the internet. It complements the Geoscience Guides (https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/guide-to-descriptive-statistics-in-geosciences-11308746).
An interdisciplinary approach to growing and tasting vegetables using
experiences and outcomes in the sciences, health and wellbeing,
numeracy and literacy.
Young learners love to be practical and this resource encourages them to grow plants from seed, fruit and vegetable scraps. The learners are encouraged to taste what they grow, where possible, and to discuss their taste preferences. The additional activities suggested include possible scientific investigations, planting up old wellies, growing hanging baskets with salad & herbs or planting bulbs for a present. Encouraging young learners to recognise common fruits and vegetables and consuming five portions of fruit and vegetables daily is included. The Education Scotland website has a series of very useful links about ‘The Way We Grow and Catch Food in Scotland’.
Suitable for Early Education under the Scottish CfE.
Keywords: Biodiversity and Interdependence, Nutrition, Safe and Hygenic Practice, Food and the Consumer, Creating texts, Data and analysis, Number and Number Processes, ICT to enhance learning.
EdUniOER
Cover image is Raphanus sativus, red radish variant by Martin Kozák (Wikimedia), licensed under CC0.
These are teaching resources for use in Religious and Moral Education, and describe some of the parables of the Christian faith as told in the New Testament. Although the resources have been created in consultation with Education Scotland and Scottish school teachers, we hope they will also be useful to teachers in other parts of the UK (or even beyond).
The resource is structured to meet the Education Scotland’s Curriculum for Excellence standard for RME. The resource is divided according to the three structuring principles of the experiences and outcomes for RME in Scotland: Beliefs, Values and Issues, and Practices and Traditions. Keywords are also provided to indicate the particular relevance of the story.
The file contains six parables in PDF format, sorted by the principles stated above, and an introduction to parables.
Resources provided as part of the project Approaching Religion Through Story are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. They are free to use, copy and adapt for all non-commercial purposes.
More RME resources can be found at Resources section of Story and Religion website run by the School of Divinity, the University of Edinburgh.
Cover images is Parable of the hidden treasure, by possibly Rembrandt; possibly Gerard Dou, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Educational Level: Third Curriculum (SCQF Level 3)
(SCN 3-01a, SCN 3-02a, SCN 3-035b, MTH 3-20b, MTH 2-21a, HWB 3-20a)
This resource is a set of 5 lesson plans (tested plans, slides, templates and worksheets) which introduce students to the diversity and natural habitats of insects. The target audience for this resource is learners aged between 12-14 years involving insects and ecology. Resource includes sampling, invertebrate collection and identification, data collection and analysis, insect careers.
This resource aims to address the importance of insect biodiversity and abundance through centring a practical activity. This will involve sampling and identifying insects from two different habitats of clearly contrasting plant diversity. The author suggests conducting the lessons during the period of April to October (when insects are most active in the UK). However, these experiments and resources are adaptable to an international context. By doing so, learners can develop their understanding of the interdependence of biodiversity through insects and their habitat.
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.
This resource includes five wizard/magic themed activities introducing 5 different concepts (Chemical Reactions, Density, Solids and Liquids, Logic and Languages) to second level students. For each activity session there is the Es &Os, a list of equipment and materials, the aim of the activity, an explanation of the activity and suggestions for extending the activity. We strongly recommend teachers try out the activity before asking the students to do them.
Learning outcomes
Sciences
Chemical changes
SCN 2-19a: I have collaborated in activities which safely demonstrate simple chemical reactions using everyday chemicals. I can show an appreciation of a chemical reaction as being a change in which different materials are made.
Properties and uses of substances
SCN 2-15a: by contributing to investigations into familiar changes in substances to produce other substances, I can describe how their characteristics have changed.
**Processes of the planet **
SCN 2-05a: I can apply my knowledge of how water changes state to help me understand the processes involved in the water cycle in nature over time.
MTH 2-12a: I have worked with others to explore and present our findings on, how mathematics impacts on the world and the important part it has played in advances and inventions.
MLAN 2-11b: I can make comparisons and explore connections between spelling patterns in English and the language I am learning.
MLAN 2-11d: I can recognise and comment on other features of my own language which help to make sense of words in the language I am learning.
This resource bundle includes pdf and editable versions of the following:
• Activity plans;
Potion 1: Explosion Potion
Potion 2: Magic Liquids
Potion 3: Slimy Potion
Code Breaking
Latin Spells
• Documents Included:
Activity Sheets, with a beginners and advanced version for the Latin Spells activity.
A teacher’s guide to delivering the activities (including the answers for the worksheets).
A risk assessment for teachers to complete.
Optional introductory letter for the participants available in black and white.
Optional certificate for the participants available in black and white and full colour.
This resource was created as part of the GeoScience Outreach Course which is a fourth 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 developed for the holiday club at St Francis’ RC Primary School
To find more Open Educational Resources from the University of Edinburgh, visit open.ed.ac.uk.
Author: Jennifer Struthers, adapted by Alysha Wilson. Co-authored by Kay Douglas and Alysha Wilson.
Unless otherwise stated, all content is released under a CC BY 4.0 license.
Cover Image
This resource is five lessons, each with a different activity; species identification, habitat, hibernation and mindfulness. These lessons have been designed to be done around the South Edinburgh green space of Blackford Hill (including the Hermitage of Braid and Braidburn), but it could be adapted to any outdoor space. The target for this resource is children of nursery age (3-5 years old).
Outdoor learning and environmental education are powerful tools used to establish human-nature connections. Raising awareness of local biodiversity and the importance of co-existing species within ecosystems can motivate intentions to care for and protect wildlife. Introducing these concepts at a young age can help foster early environmental stewardship and allow individuals to explore their feelings towards nature. The resources includes details of the relevant aims, outcomes, extra teacher information and any potential further activities. The activities are designed to be fun and engaging to help the children develop an interest in the content.
Biodiversity and Interdependence
SCN 0-01a: I have observed living things in the environment over time and am becoming aware of how they depend on each other.
Properties and uses of substances
SCN 0-15a: Through creative play, I explore different materials and can share my reasoning for selecting materials for different purposes.
Mental and emotional wellbeing
HWB 0-07a: I am learning skills and strategies which will support me in challenging times, particularly in relation to change and loss.
Listening and talking; enjoyment and choice
LIT 0-01c: I enjoy exploring events and characters in stories and other texts, sharing my thoughts in different ways.
Creating texts
LIT 0-09a: Within real and imaginary situations, I share experiences and feelings, ideas and information in a way that communicates my message.
Art and Design
EXA 0-02a: I have the freedom to discover and choose ways to create images & objects using a variety of materials.
This resource bundle includes pdf and editable versions of the following:
Teachers guide: including details of equipment, learning outcomes, instructions for the activities, teacher’s notes, potential health and safety risks.
Animal Habitat Information Guide
Plant and Flower Identification booklet
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 developed for the ‘Arcadia @ Kings Buildings’ Nursery.
To find more Open Educational Resources from the University of Edinburgh, visit open.ed.ac.uk.
Author: Ellie Sutton, adapted by Alysha Wilson.
Unless otherwise stated, all content is released under a CC-BY-SA 4.0 license.
This interdisciplinary STEM resource on Climate Change has three to four sessions seeking out what practical steps pupils and their family can take to mitigate the effects of climate change. (Involves STEM Challenges.)
Activity 1 is a broad introduction to climate change, its causes, effects and solutions at the individual level.
Activity 2 discusses the concept of ecological footprint and is based on a practical workshop on upcycling.
Activity 3 applies a simplified version of the scientific research method to measure the impact of our actions.
Activity 4 is an optional showcase with scientific posters.
Educational Information
This resource provides material for the Curriculum for Excellence (CfE) Experiences and Outcomes in Technology, Numeracy and Mathematics, Literacy and English. An interdisciplinary approach to the concept of Ecological and Carbon Footprint is adopted with the aim of shaping pupils’ sense of responsibility and awareness of the impact of our daily actions on our planet.
The resource comprises four activities (including STEM), each lasting within the range of 60-80 minutes. A so-called “Gift to the Earth” challenge requires pupils to record their daily commitment to reducing their carbon footprint and creates the link between each activity.
Learning Outcomes covered:
Technology
Technology TCH 2-06a: I can analyse how lifestyles can impact on the environment and Earth’s resources and can make suggestions about how to live in a more sustainable way.
Technology TCH 2-07a: I can make suggestions as to how individuals and organizations may use technologies to support sustainability and reduce the impact on our environment.
Technology TCH 2-09a: I can extend and enhance my design skills to solve problems and can construct models.
Numeracy and Mathematics
Numeracy MNU 2-20b: I have carried out investigations and surveys, devising and using a variety of methods to gather information and have worked with others to collate, organise and communicate the results in an appropriate way.
Mathematics MTH 2-21a: I can display data in a clear way using a suitable scale, by choosing appropriately from an extended range of tables, charts, diagrams and graphs, making effective use of technology.
Literacy and English
Literacy and English LIT 2-09a: When listening and talking with others for different purposes, I can: share information, experiences and opinions; explain processes and ideas; identify issues raised and summarise main points or findings; clarify points by asking questions or by asking others to say more.
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 ‘central tendency’ in fieldwork, assignments and examination questions. It complements the Guide to Descriptive Statistics in Geosciences (https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/guide-to-descriptive-statistics-in-geosciences-11308746).
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 the ‘spread of data’ in fieldwork, assignments and examination questions. It complements the Guide to Descriptive Statistics in Geosciences (https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/guide-to-descriptive-statistics-in-geosciences-11308746).
The Earth system is full of cycles - a strong contrast to the often linear product pathways in our society. The organic matter cycle is one of them, it is easy to grasp with lots of potential for hands-on ecological science
and outdoor learning!
Originally developed for primary school children with complex behavioural and emotional needs (aged 9-11 years), this series contains three lesson plans full of hands-on learning activities. The lessons are easy to carry out, built on individual and group based learning activities and have an emphasis on the outdoors.
Suitable for teaching pupils at Scottish CfE First and Second Levels. Exact E&Os are detailed in the resource.
Keywords: biology, ecology, organic matter cycling, EdUniOERGeo
This resource is the third of a set of 4 lesson plans with STEM activities based around a group of 10-12 year olds, wanting to explain the science and maths behind magic.
This session teaches CHEMICAL REACTIONS, magic invisible ink trick.
(Other sessions involve PROBABILITY, AIR PRESSURE, STATIC ELECTRICITY. )
Wonder in Magic has been created as a teaching resource for the City of Edinburgh Council’s ‘Curiosity Club’, an Intervention Strategy initiative that is currently operating in Council schools. The focus of the four planned lessons of Wonder in Magic is to explain the ‘magic’ behind science and maths activities.
The first has an activity on air pressure. The second has an activity on probability and the fourth static electricity. There is an optional activity (session 5) on showcasing the knowledge and skills obtained in Wonder in Magic. You can find all of these in our TES Shop for free download and re-use.
The log-book (‘Book of Spells’), general teaching notes, completion certificate and letter (‘hook’) are included with all resources.
This bundle includes: extensive teacher notes bundle includes PDF and editable versions of the following:
This bundle includes: extensive teacher notes bundle includes pdf and editable versions of the following:
Chemical Reactions – Secret Message- contents for each lesson includes:
Resource list
Learning Intentions
Shared success criteria
Relevant Es&Os
Assessment Methods
Lesson Plan
General resources
‘Hook’ letter from the Head Teacher of Scotland’s Magic School
Log-book (aka Book of Spells)
Completion Certificate
General Teaching Notes
SCN 2-08a: I have collaborated in investigations to compare magnetic, electrostatic and gravitational forces and have explored their practical applications.
y investigating how friction, including air resistance, affects motion, I can suggest ways to improve efficiency in moving objects. (Explores and explains air pressure, a gravitational force)
LIT 2-07a: I can show my understanding of what I listen to or watch by responding to literal, inferential, evaluative and other types of questions, and by asking different kinds of questions of my own. (Asks and responds to a range of questions, including literal, inferential and evaluative questions, to demonstrate understanding of spoken texts.)
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.
To find more Open Educational Resources from the University of Edinburgh, visit open.ed.ac.uk.
Author: Philippa Johnston, adapted by Kay Douglas and Charlie Farley.
Unless otherwise stated, all content is released under a CC-BY-SA 4.0 license.
