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.
Overview:
This is a package for one lesson for the 3rd and 4th level (S1&2) students to develop knowledge and understanding about climate change through a variety of group activities. The lesson starts with a daily topic of weather, leading students to learn the differences between weather and climate and the effects of climate change, such as extreme weather. Then, students are invited to develop climate graph-reading skills and an understanding of the greenhouse effect and greenhouse gases.
This resource was originally developed as part of the Geosciences Outreach Course at the University of Edinburgh then re-adapted for use as an Open Educational Resource (OER) by OER Service, the Information Services Group at the University. As an OER, teachers are welcome to make any changes to their resources according to their needs.
Learning Outcomes:
• I can define weather as what is happening outside right now.
• I can explain that climate is the average of all the weather that has happened in a region over more than 30 years.
• I can recognise that rapid global warming is causing the climate to change.
• I can infer that global warming is causing extreme weather like excessive rain, more hurricanes, extreme heat, cold and drought.
• I can interpret and extract information from climate graphs.
• I can explain the greenhouse effect is like a blanket that prevents heat escaping causing the Earth to warm up.
• I can name some of the (greenhouse) gases causing global warming, for example, carbon dioxide, methane, or water vapour.
• I can illustrate and model the chemical structure of the different greenhouse gases.
Experiences and Outcomes:
LIT 3-10a, LIT 4-10a, MNU 4-20a, SOC 3-12a, SOC 4-12a, SCN 3-05b
‘Weather, Climate and Global Warming’ was developed by Kay Douglas and Katherine Taylor, adapted by Mayu Ishimoto, and is available under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 unless otherwise stated.
Header: The 1980-2015 seasonal cycle anomaly in MERRA2 along with the 95% uncertainties on the estimate of the mean, 2024 June, Goddarf Space Flight Centre NASA, in accordance with NASA Media Usage Guidelines.
Overview:
This open educational resource for the Second and Third Curriculum Level was developed as part of the University of Edinburgh’s collaboration with Their Finest Hour project, run by University of Oxford. Their Finest Hour aimed to empower local communities to digitally preserve their stories and objects related to the Second World War through a series of nationwide Digital Collection Days.
Through stories and objects collected at a Digital Collection Day in Edinburgh, this resource introduces students to alternative perspectives of WWII history, distinct from the views of political and military decision makers. There is considerable historical value in viewing war and other historical events from a wide range of alternative perspectives. Looking at everyday objects and collecting testimonies from many diverse voices can enable an understanding of how war and significant events affected the whole nation.
This lesson includes an oral history exercise for students. Oral history interviews provide varied perspectives on historical events by privileging voices that are not typically part of the historical record. By interviewing a relative or member of their community, students gain an understanding that history is all around them, rather than something that happened far away, a long time ago, to distant people. In connecting public and private history, students are able to reflect on their family and community’s place in history, and the meaning of history more generally – who makes it, how and why.
The lesson pack includes powerpoint slides, teacher’s notes, a student worksheet, and links to Their Finest Hour Archive.
Learning Outcomes:
Develop important social communication skills: active listening /effective listening
Develop analysis skills
Develop a better understanding of the definition of history
Develop an understanding of the history, heritage and culture of Scotland, and an appreciation of their local and national heritage within the world
Learn how to locate, explore and link periods, people and events in time and place
Learn how to locate, explore and link features and places locally and further afield
Explore and evaluate different types of sources and evidence
Develop communication skills: conveying information, describing events, explaining processes or combining ideas in different ways.
Experiences and Outcomes:
LIT 2-02a, LIT 3-02a, LIT 2-05a, LIT 3-05a, LIT 2-06a, LIT 3-06a, LIT 2-09a, LIT 3-09a, LIT 2-10a, LIT 3-10a, LIT 2-28a, SOC 2-01a, SOC 3-01a, SOC 2-02a, SOC 3-02a, SOC 2-03a, SOC 3-03a
‘Recording Everyday Social History’ was created by Eden Swimer. The resource is available under a CC BY-SA 4.0 unless otherwise stated.
Header: Their Finest Hour Archive, University of Oxford, 2024, CC BY 4.0.
‘Investigating Edinburgh’s Geological Past’ is an Interdisciplinary Learning (IDL) resource created for learners aged 12-14 at the S2 level from the University of Edinburgh’s 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 Teacher’s 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 years’ 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 3‐08a: 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.
‘Investigating Edinburgh’s Geological Past’ 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: Arthur’s Seat by Jenny Ridout, 2023, CC BY-SA.
‘Investigating Edinburgh’s Geological Past’ is an Interdisciplinary Learning (IDL) resource created for learners aged 12-14 at the S2 level from the University of Edinburgh’s 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 ‘Evidence Pack’ in Word.docx and PDF formats, along with a Teacher’s 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 years’ 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.
‘Investigating Edinburgh’s Geological Past’ 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: Arthur’s Seat by Jenny Ridout, 2023, CC BY-SA.
‘Investigating Edinburgh’s Geological Past’ 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 “The Dasses” 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 Teacher’s 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 years’ 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.
‘Investigating Edinburgh’s Geological Past’ 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: Arthur’s Seat by Jenny Ridout, 2023, CC BY-SA.
‘Investigating Edinburgh’s Geological Past’ is created for learners aged 12-14 at the S2 level from the University of Edinburgh’s 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 Teacher’s 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 years’ 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 3‐14a: 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.
‘Investigating Edinburgh’s Geological Past’ 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: Arthur’s Seat by Jenny Ridout, 2023, CC BY-SA.
‘Investigating Edinburgh’s Geological Past’ is created for learners aged 12-14 at the S2 level from the University of Edinburgh’s 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 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 introduces three different rock types and their formation to students, followed by a hands-on activity in observing and describing rocks. The pack includes a set of slides in Powerpoint and PDF formats and worksheets in Word.docx and PDF formats, along with a Teacher’s guide to help teachers run a class with the slides.
Links to the accompanying sessions:
One: Rock Descriptions (this session): 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 years’ 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:
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.
‘Investigating Edinburgh’s Geological Past’ 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: Arthur’s Seat by Jenny Ridout, 2023, CC BY-SA.
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 https://www.tes.com/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 “Development Plan” 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 (Bloom’s ‘Remember’)
Identify common trees in Scotland by leaf and tree shape (Bloom’s ‘Understand’)
Interpret the importance of trees in Scotland (Bloom’s ‘Apply’)
Justify why trees should not be cut down (Bloom’s ‘Evaluate’)
Experiences and Outcomes:
SCN 2-01a – 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 – 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: **
• Introduction/Development Plan Slides (a copy used in the first video, pptx/pdf)
• Tree Matching Cards (pptx/pdf)
• Tree Board Game Cards and Board Template (pptx/pdf)
• Tree Counters (word docx/pdf)
• Tree ID Worksheet (word docx/pdf)
• Tree Benefits Worksheet (word docx/pdf)
• Guide for the Resource (this document)
• How to Play the Games (word docx/pdf)
• 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.
This is an Open Educational Resource for the Early Curriculum Level and Beyond (Suitable for the Age 5 to 105).
This resource pack includes a booklet with images, information and song audio of 17 common garden and woodland birds in Midlothian and in Scotland. Useful to complement any science work involving environment.
Learners can gain an insight into the range of bird species and biodiversity of a local area. Free poster of the birds included to help learners identify birds by their relative sizes.
Author: Booklet by Radina Atanasova, adapted by Mayu Ishimoto and a poster by Mayu Ishimoto.
Unless otherwise stated, all content is released under a CC BY SA 4.0 license.
These are teaching resources for free use, aimed at the second curriculum level pupils aged 10-12.
The series of seven lessons titled ‘Introduction to Archaeology’ 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 ‘Archaeology Skills Passport’. 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, ‘Educating the Public’, is the last lesson of the seven, and it focuses on poster-making and presentation to use and retain the information learned.
What this resource pack includes
This pack includes a set of slides in Powerpoint and PDF formats, along with a Teacher’s guide to help teachers run a class with the slides. 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 Teacher’s Guide. These can also be found in each of the lesson packs linked below.
Links to the accompanying lessons
Lesson 1: Introducing Archaeology
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 - this lesson
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.
These are teaching resources for free use, aimed at the second curriculum level pupils aged 10-12.
The series of seven lessons titled ‘Introduction to Archaeology’ 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 ‘Archaeology Skills Passport’. 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, ‘Protecting Sites’, is the sixth lesson of the seven, and it examinies current threats to archaeological sites and how learners can help combat them by educating the public.
What this resource pack includes
This pack includes a set of slides in Powerpoint and PDF formats, along with a Teacher’s guide to help teachers run a class with the slides. 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 Teacher’s Guide. These can also be found in each of the lesson packs linked below.
Links to the accompanying lessons
Lesson 1: Introducing Archaeology
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 - this lesson
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.
These are teaching resources for free use, aimed at the second curriculum level pupils aged 10-12.
The series of seven lessons titled ‘Introduction to Archaeology’ 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 ‘Archaeology Skills Passport’. 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, ‘Orkney and Human-Environment Interactions’, is the fifth lesson of the seven, and it looks closer at human-environment interactions on Orkney through the Mesolithic, the Neolithic, and the Viking Age.
What this resource pack includes
This pack includes a set of slides in Powerpoint and PDF formats, along with a Teacher’s guide to help teachers run a class with the slides. 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 Teacher’s Guide. These can also be found in each of the lesson packs linked below.
Links to the accompanying lessons
Lesson 1: Introducing Archaeology
Lesson 2: Introducing the Orkney Islands
Lesson 3: Excavation
Lesson 4: Human-environment Interactions
Lesson 5: Orkney and Human-Environment Interactions - this lesson
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.
These are teaching resources for free use, aimed at the second curriculum level pupils aged 10-12.
The series of seven lessons titled ‘Introduction to Archaeology’ 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 ‘Archaeology Skills Passport’. 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, ‘Human-environment Interactions’, is the fourth lesson of the seven, and it introduces how humans adapt to, depend on, and modify their environments.
What this resource pack includes
This pack includes a set of slides in Powerpoint and PDF formats, along with a Teacher’s guide to help teachers run a class with the slides. 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 Teacher’s Guide. These can also be found in each of the lesson packs linked below.
Links to the accompanying lessons
Lesson 1: Introducing Archaeology
Lesson 2: Introducing the Orkney Islands
Lesson 3: Excavation
Lesson 4: Human-environment Interactions - this lesson
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.
These are teaching resources for free use, aimed at the second curriculum level pupils aged 10-12.
The series of seven lessons titled ‘Introduction to Archaeology’ 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 ‘Archaeology Skills Passport’. 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, ‘Excavation’, 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 Teacher’s guide to help teachers run a class with the slides.
The Word Document titled ‘Artefact Recording’ and the Powerpoint slide titled ‘Site Grid’, also available in PDF formats, are intended to be used for the indoor/outdoor excavation activity as described in the Teacher’s guide. The PDF titled ‘Sword Shells Vases Cutout’ is also intended to be used for the excavation to represent artefacts when alternatives are not available. Another Word Document titled ‘Google Earth Investigation’, also available in a PDF format, is intended to be a guidance for the Google Earth Investigation activity as described in the Teacher’s 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 Teacher’s 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.
These are teaching resources for free use, aimed at the second curriculum level pupils aged 10-12.
The series of seven lessons titled ‘Introduction to Archaeology’ 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 ‘Archaeology Skills Passport’. 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, ‘Introducing the Orkney Islands’, is the second lesson of the seven, and it introduces the Orkney islands and their historical significance and archaeological finds.
What this resource pack includes
This pack includes a set of slides in Powerpoint and PDF formats, along with a Teacher’s guide to help teachers run a class with the slides. 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 Teacher’s Guide. These can also be found in each of the lesson packs linked below.
Links to the accompanying lessons
Lesson 1: Introducing Archaeology
Lesson 2: Introducing the Orkney Islands - this lesson
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.
These are teaching resources for free use, aimed at the second curriculum level pupils aged 10-12.
The series of seven lessons titled ‘Introduction to Archaeology’ 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 ‘Archaeology Skills Passport’. 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, ‘Introducing Archaeology’, 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 Teacher’s guide to help teachers run a class with the slides. The PDF titled ‘Organic Inorganic’ is intended for the Organic or Inorganic Category Game as described in the Teacher’s 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 Teacher’s 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.
This resource is a quiz-style lesson presentation focussed on the impacts of machine learning social media algorithms on society and individuals. It is an interdisciplinary resource covering topics from health and wellbeing, technology, data and social studies and is also relevant to the NPA Data Science Qualification Suite. The contents are suitable for learners aged around 12 upwards and relevant to all ages.
About the resource content:
The presentation covers the definitions of algorithms and machine learning then provides examples of both beneficial uses and ethical problems with their use. The content then focusses on applications to social media user retention. The aims of social media companies, the contributions of automated decision making to societal biases, inequalities, the promotion of dangerous content, polarisation and echo-chamber creation are some of the main topics covered. This resource allows students to develop their awareness of the dangers posed to themselves and others when using social media and encourages responsible and informed use of platforms.
The downloadable pack of resources includes a quiz-style informational presentation, and word document containing duplicate content in plain text format.
Curriculum Relevance:
This interdisciplinary resource is recommended for and relevant to all ages 12 and upwards, and covers themes from health and wellbeing, technology and social studies.
This pack may particularly be a useful teaching resource for the National Progression Award Data Science SCQF Levels 4,5 and 6, particularly the Machine Learning Optional Unit. The resource relates to aims 4 and 11 of the qualification to “stimulate interest in data science” and to “Raise awareness of the societal issues relating to data science including data ethics” respectively. The resource contains content focussed on non-technical data skills such as consideration of the impact of data, and ethical use of data and AI. In particular it may be relevant to the level 6 qualification which “takes a more academic view of data science, situating it in the wider context of AI and big data” and aims to raise “awareness of data ethics”.
The materials could also be used as part of English language activities in which students read and evaluate the linked articles, form and discuss their opinions and create factual or persuasive writing pieces on this topic.
This resource was developed as part of an Open Content Curator Internship with The University of Edinburgh Open Educational Resources Service.
Authors: Alyssa Heggison, with guidance and input from from Amy Yin, Megan Thomson and Dr Vicki Madden at The University of Edinburgh Information Services Group
Unless otherwise stated, all content is released under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.
Cover Image:
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 Earth’s 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 resource is a set of information packs, worksheets and a presentations on the topic of Satellite Earth Observation complete with slides. The target audience for this resource is learners ages 10-14.
This interdisciplinary resource was originally developed by SatSchool using current research and development from global scientific communities. It is an adaption of the online Introduction to Earth Observation Module, available on the SatSchool Web Page.
These resources provide foundational knowledge for understanding the way we can use technology to produce digital imaging, and introduce the history of satellite developments leading up to current technology. Learners are encouraged to ask questions, engage with scientific developments and consider the role of real-world scientists in understanding the Earth and Space.
Earth observation explores the use of satellites and other technology used to measure Earth from space. This resource introduces this through booklets covering four key sections:
Overview
Satellites and Orbits
Satellite Sensors
Image Resolution
Also included is an introductory overview presentation and two activity worksheets.
Where two versions of a document are included, one version is an editable version ( e.g. Word document) and the other is the best format for viewing/printing (PDF). All the resources are contained in a compressed folder in the download pack. The pack also contains a selection of images used only to provide preview images on the tes webpage.
Relevant learning outcomes: SCN 3-08a, SCN 3-11b, SCN 3-20, SOC 3-14a, SOC 3-08a
This resource is an adaption of the Earth Observation module on the SatSchool Website, created as part of the SatSchool Outreach Course. SatSchool is an Earth Observation outreach programme designed and delivered by PhD students from SENSE CDT, spanning multiple universities and researchers.
This resource was developed in collaboration with the University of Edinburgh OER Service.
Authors: Bryony Freer, Eszter Kovacs and Megan Udy, adapted into OER form by Molly Wickett and Alyssa Heggison.
Unless otherwise stated, all content is released under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.
Cover Image: Jason-3 Satellite, Copernicus Marine, EUMETSAT, European Union Copernicus Sentinel images,
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 it’s 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.