Science of Nature Workshop — Summer Reading Challenge

This summer, the library's reading challenges are set to ignite your imagination. The enchanting theme of ‘Story Garden’ focuses on adventure in nature and the great outdoors. At Wild Science, we’re excited to enhance your experience with a special workshop that complements this theme: the Science of Nature Workshop.

This engaging workshop delves into the world of nature with a fun twist. Participants explore the wonders of the natural world through hands-on activities and experiments. From understanding ecosystems and plant biology to discovering local wildlife and their habitats, we will explore the fascinating science that surrounds us—even in our own backyards.

Engaging Outdoor Learning Activities

Participating in outdoor learning activities inspires young minds. It promotes independent thinking and cultivates a lifelong love for nature. Activities such as nature scavenger hunts, den building, and outdoor science experiments allow children to explore and discover. These activities also help develop problem-solving skills and enhance mental well-being.

Activities in our Science of Nature Workshop

Our experiments are thoughtfully designed to reveal nature’s incredible wonders. They explain the mechanisms behind various natural phenomena. By connecting these experiments to the stories that children are exploring, we create a bridge between fiction and reality. This hands-on approach brings story events to life. It shows how specific processes occur in nature or how certain creations come into being. Through this engaging experience, children grasp scientific concepts and gain a deeper appreciation for nature and the stories they read.

Mud Slime: This experiment involves the creation of an enjoyable and visually chaotic slime. We use natural ingredients to create a slime product that harmonises with the environment.

Leaf Colour Experiments: We demonstrate how leaves change their colour. We also explain the reasons and processes behind this natural occurrence using our Leaf Science Chromatography Experiment.

Sink or Float in Nature: Explore different objects from nature. Experiment to see whether they sink or float in water.

Bridge Making in Nature: Use only natural materials found in the environment around us. Gather what you believe will support the strength and stability of your bridge. Test which bridge holds the most weight and which one works best.

Benefits of Outdoor Science Activities

Cognitive and Educational Benefits

Nurtures Curiosity and Exploration: Outdoor science encourages children to explore their environment and ask questions about the world around them.
Develops Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills: Outdoor settings present real-world challenges. These require students to think critically and adapt to changing conditions.
Enhances Observational Skills: Observing plants, animals, and natural phenomena sharpens students' ability to notice details and make connections.
Promotes Hands-On Learning: Outdoor activities provide direct and practical experiences. This makes learning more engaging and memorable.
Fosters Creativity and Innovation: Nature inspires creativity and helps students think outside the box.

Physical and Mental Health Benefits

Promotes Physical Activity: Outdoor activities encourage movement and exercise. These are essential for a healthy lifestyle.
Reduces Stress and Anxiety: Spending time in nature helps relieve stress, improve mood, and promote relaxation.
Boosts Vitamin D Levels: Sun exposure helps the body produce vitamin D. This supports strong bones and immune function.
Connects with Nature: Outdoor learning fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation for the environment.
Promotes Social Interaction: Outdoor settings help students engage with peers and teachers in relaxed ways.
Builds Confidence and Resilience: Overcoming challenges outside strengthens students’ confidence and resilience.
Develops Environmental Awareness: First-hand experience in nature helps students become more environmentally conscious and responsible.

Join us for an Exciting Adventure!

Dive into the fascinating world of science with us! Our science workshops and outdoor adventures are designed to spark curiosity and encourage hands-on exploration. Each activity is crafted to let participants of all ages roll up their sleeves and get involved. This approach fosters a sense of achievement and discovery.

Throughout the workshop, you’ll experience a mix of exploration, creativity, and learning. These elements aim to inspire a love for science, reading, and the wonders of nature. Our instructors will guide you through each experiment. They will explain the science behind the fun and help everyone learn together.

Don’t miss this amazing opportunity to boost your reading skills and deepen your connection to the environment. Join us for an adventure full of exploration, creativity, and scientific discovery—where learning meets fun!

We really enjoyed our experience with the reptiles, they were so calm and settled, just amazing and great ❤️

Great fun for kids the lady was very nice and the animals were cool

An unforgettable experience. Your kids will love it! We had Susie in Edinburgh, she was exceptionally good - with the animals and the kids, and the grown-ups too! We all had an amazing time. I highly recommend booking Susie for Wild Science if you're in Scotland. So many memories made!

Suzie held an event in Sandylands holiday park today and we had a ball! every animal is well cared for and beautiful. very versed on each animals needs and nature, took the time to explain certain facts and even sat down at the end of her time to talk more on her other animals! cannot recommend suzie enough!!

We booked a corporate animal therapy session as part of Mental Health Awareness week, and it was truly loved by everyone. [...] Harriet was absolutely fantastic - super knowledgable, engaging and clearly passionate about every animal she introduced us to. [...] Harriet created such a calm environment that even our more hesitant colleagues were soon happily holding the snake. We can't recommend Wild Science highly enough - if you're looking to boost morale, reduce stress or just do something a little bit different for your team.

Susie was at Parkdean in Saltcoats and it was a fantastic experience. Very knowledgeable and chatted and answered questions from children and adults. Loved it.

Made my child's summer holding a royal python!

Attended a group with my husband & kids. Youngest being 1 & it was incredible. Different kinds of animals, was able to hold what we could & pet the rest.
Thanks again for the incredible experience! Fidget was amazing & we are now thinking if adding ferrets to the family. I hope fidget enjoys his chicken 🐔

Kids had a total blast at Wild Science. So did mum!
We got to meet a cockroach, a snake, 2 geckos, a bearded dragon, a ferret, a mexican tarantula, and a bunny!
The lady was going to name a cockroach 🪳 after my son Leon 🤣 poor kid was peed and pooped on, it was sooo funny! Everyone had such a great time. Thanks for entertaining us. 😆

Animal visit (Summer Fair Gilmerton Community Centre)
The management committee would like to thank Susie and trainee Amy for bringing the animals to the Community Centres Summer Fair. Once again, they were very popular with adults and children. Those attending said they enjoyed meeting and learning about the animals up close.

We were delighted to have both Shannon & Amy attend our free family event at Crystal Peaks shopping centre this Friday. Their communication on the run-up to our event was great. On the day, the head office called us to check everything was ready & the hosts arrived in plenty of time. We had a lot of very excited guests that got to enjoy a range of fascinating creatures throughout the day. The team were great with the public & very knowledgeable about their little critters. We can't recommend Wild Science enough. Thank you for making our day so good.

The animal expert we were lucky enough to have from wild science was excellent. She even managed to keep the kids at a 7 year old birthday party relatively quiet and very interested. Would highly recommend.

It was a wonderful day had by all, the adults and children really had a great time every animal was explained in great detail and we will be booking them for further events

My son (4) and his friends had the most wonderful time! The scientist was totally able to engage their attention for over an hour and they had fun and learned so much too! Thanks for the best party!

We have used Wild Science for 3 years at our school. Each year they deliver wonderful sessions to Nursery and Reception children. We have never had any issues and would recommend them to everyone. The children love the experience and the animals and staff are amazing!

Thank you Wild Science for such an amazing party! Amy was super professional and had the kids eating out of the palm of her hand. My son absolutely loved the animals she brought and we were so impressed with how she handled the group (of 3-5 year olds) and gave them interesting and fun facts about each animal which kept all the kids interested and engaged. It was so much fun, we would highly recommend it!!!

Ross was absolutely amazing. So patient, kind and knowledgeable of the animals and the slime workshop. We had a party of 20 and with the madness that ensued he was always calm and reassuring for each child if they were apprehensive of holding any animal - big or small. Would 100% book Wild Science again, especially Ross.
Thank you for making our animal lovers birthday so special!

Ross came to my sons 3rd birthday, he was brilliant, the kids had a great time, the whole thing was really relaxed and everyone got a good amount of time with the animals and really enjoyed the experience - the customer service beforehand was really good, great communication and lots of questions answered - highly recommend!

We frequently take our mobile petting zoo outside! Please feel free to write to us or follow us on TikTok. Please feel free to like, review, or star any of our many TikTok videos (Wild_Science) that we have posted!!

Big Smiles on
Little Faces

Science of Nature Workshop