Learning Lab
Learning Lab from Glasgow Science Centre provides time-saving resources and experiences that support curriculum outcomes in science, technologies, numeracy and literacy.
Learning Lab is a unique STEM programme that supports teachers and inspires students through varied learning experiences that take place over several weeks. Each programme comprises lesson plans, worksheets, video content and interactions with experts as well as professional learning and homework activities.
The curriculum-linked content is delivered by class teachers with step-by-step resources and ongoing support from Learning Lab staff. Classroom learning is enhanced by a free visit to Glasgow Science Centre or a visit from On Tour.
To register interest, please email us at [email protected] with details of your name, school, class and the Learning Lab topic.
Click to view our Learning Lab experiences for: Early Level | First Level | Second Level | Third Level
Early Level
A new Learning Lab is coming in April 2025 for Pre-School to P1 learners and teachers.
First Level
Perfect for P2 to P4 learners and teachers.
The Air We Breathe
Through hands-on activities, learners will explore how we breathe and gain an understanding of how our bodies defend us against air pollution. Learners will make their own mucus, complete lung puzzles and mazes, and become air detectives!
• Suggested duration: 4 weeks
• Cost: Limited free places available
• Next start date: 14th January 2025 at CLPL at 4pm
Space Discovery
*NEW FOR 2024*
Takes pupils on an exhilarating journey from the basics of our solar system to space exploration with hands-on activities!
• Suggested duration: 6 weeks
• Cost: Free to partner schools and schools with school membership*
• Next start date: 13th January 2025 - CLPL at 4pm
*If you are interested in the school membership scheme or to enquire about costs for participating in this learning lab please email [email protected]
Second Level
Perfect for P5 to P7 learners and teachers.
BodyWorks
Explore the science behind human health and wellbeing. Through exploration of different body systems, learners will discover:
• What we all have in common
• The differences that make us unique
• What influences our health and wellbeing
• Watch a lung dissection, make their own intestines and meet a real healthcare scientist!
Activities support second level experiences and outcomes in Biological Systems and Health & Wellbeing.
• Suggested duration: 8 weeks
• Cost: Limited free places available
• Next start date: 8th January 2025 - CLPL at 4pm
Castle CSI
Uncover famous Scottish castles using scientific techniques. Pupils will become forensic scientists, and piece together clues about a mystery skeleton and investigate soil erosion and weathering.
• Discover how climate change affects our historic sites
• Solve the mystery of unknown remains using forensic data
• Complete hands-on activities
The programme covers second level outcomes in Social Studies, Health & Wellbeing, and Sciences.
• Suggested duration: 5-6 weeks
• Cost: Limited free places available
• Next start date: 22 January 2025 - CLPL at 4pm
Our Amazing Air
Exploring the air around us, how it supports life and the ways we can improve it. Learners investigate:
• Why air is so important
• What air pollution is and how we monitor it
• How air quality can be improved
• Make their own air pollution catcher, grow plants in a terrarium and meet a scientist!
Activities support outcomes in Planet Earth, Health & Wellbeing, and Numeracy and Literacy.
• Suggested duration: 6 weeks
• Cost: Limited free places available
• Next start date: April 2025- CLPL at 4pm
Powering The Future
Exploring the future of energy. Pupils will investigate renewables technologies and the pathway to net zero and will discover opportunities in the energy sector and explore how their skills could change the world.
• Unique hands-on activities
• Group discussions
• Meeting professionals from the energy industry
This Learning Lab supports curriculum outcomes across Sciences, Social Studies and Technologies.
• Suggested duration: 8 weeks
• Cost: Limited free places available
• Next start date: 16th January 2025 - CLPL at 4pm
Renewables Challenge
Exploring energy production. Learners will build their understanding of carbon neutral, renewable energy sources and career opportunities in the field. Pupils will work together to design an innovative solution to power their school using renewable energy!
• Suggested duration: 3-4 weeks
• Cost: Limited free places available
• Next start date: 23rd January 2025 - CLPL at 4pm
Out of this World
*NEW FOR 2024*
Launch your pupils into orbit with our interactive activities that explore Scotland's growing space industry.
Investigate the new technologies that are enabling space exploration and discover how humans could live in space!
• Suggested duration: 8 weeks
• Cost: Free to partner schools and schools with school membership*
• Next start date: 9th January 2025 - CLPL at 4pm
*If you are interested in the school membership scheme or to enquire about costs for participating in this learning lab please email [email protected]
Third Level
Perfect for S1 to S2 learners and teachers.
Powering the Future
Exploring the future of energy. Pupils will investigate renewables technologies and the pathway to net zero. Along the way, they will discover opportunities in the energy sector and explore how their skills could change the world.
The content is ideal for encouraging STEM subject choices and supporting third and fourth level outcomes in Science, Technologies and Social Studies including an opportunity to meet professionals from Scotland’s growing STEM industries.
• Suggested duration: 4-6 weeks
• Cost: Limited free places available
• Next start date: 21st Janaury 2025 - CLPL at 4pm
Scotland in Space
Celebrating the innovative spirit in all of us and how that spirit can change the world.
Supporting young people to investigate the science behind rocket and satellite technology, applications of satellite data, and recognise the opportunities available in Scotland’s growing space industry.
• Suggested duration: 4-6 weeks
• Cost: Free to partner schools and schools with school membership*
• Next start date: 20th Janaury 2025 - CLPL at 4pm
*If you are interested in the school membership scheme or to enquire about costs for participating in this learning lab please email [email protected]
Learning Lab FAQs
What is Learning Lab about?
8-week programmes for P1 – S2 bringing excellent STEM learning to the classroom.
With a range of topics to choose from, each Learning Lab programme is anchored in the curriculum and includes hands-on activities, home learning, a science centre visit, and the opportunity to meet a practising scientist or engineer. Aligned with CfE experiences and outcomes, Learning Lab supports teachers to deliver amazing science in the classroom.
Learning Lab aims to inspire and empower young people by putting them at the centre of their own learning. The programme provides a variety of learning experiences including videos, practical activities and interviews with STEM professionals and homework, which provide opportunities for pupils to work together to solve problems, to build their own narrative and to develop social, practical and scientific thinking skills.
With a range of relevant STEM topics to choose from, each quality-assured and curriculum-linked programme is delivered by teachers over several weeks, with step-by-step resources and ongoing support provided by Science Centre staff.
Contributions from real world STEM professionals offer inspiration and context for learners and each programme culminates with an element that celebrates pupils’ learning and achievements.
Who takes part in learning Lab?
Since 2020, over 2,000 teachers and 56,000 pupils across Scotland have taken part in Learning Lab. It’s an exciting way for pupils to explore hands-on science, meet inspirational professionals, and discover that we are all scientists.
What do educators get when taking part in Learning Lab?
Following a twilight CLPL session, teaching resources will be provided via MS Teams or Google Classroom. Suggested teaching time is 2 hours/week. The Learning Lab team will be on hand to provide support and answer questions throughout. Subsidies or funded places may be available for certain topics and for eligible schools.
- Twilight professional learning
- Lesson plans & worksheets
- Original video content
- Live interviews with scientists and engineers
- Homework activities
- A science centre visit
How do I register to take part in a Learning Lab?
You can email us to register your interest in a Learning Lab.
Please include in your email details of your name, school, class and the Learning Lab topic.
How much does Learning Lab participation cost?
Thanks to generous support from our partners, many programmes are free to access, with transport subsidies available to reduce bus costs for science centre visits.
Who funds Learning Lab?
Glasgow Science Centre works with a fantastic range of partners and funders to deliver our STEM Learning Pathway experiences including Learning Lab.
These resources made teaching STEM much easier and all children thoroughly enjoyed exploring each module.
Learning Lab Teacher
My favourite thing about Learning Lab is the video calls because I liked seeing a real scientist.
Pupil participating in Learning Lab
The Learning Lab has been an excellent opportunity for Glasgow City Council schools…The content is relevant, engaging and mapped to Curriculum for Excellence which has allowed for easy integration into the classroom. The content challenges pupils to apply their skills and understanding to real-life contexts and supports teachers to deliver high-quality learning experiences.
Glasgow City Council Education Department
I would like to say a huge thank you to all the people who make these Learning Labs possible. The children take great pleasure from these lessons and are gifted with an abundance of knowledge and understanding of STEM.
Learning Lab Teacher
Your donations make a real difference!
As a registered Scottish charity, our mission is to engage and inspire people of all ages and backgrounds to discover and enjoy science. Your generosity will allow us to continue to provide fun and informative outreach programmes for young people and to work with communities from the local area and across Scotland, making a real difference to people's lives. We appreciate your support.
Science Passport
Get unlimited access to the Science Mall for a year when you become a member of our Science Passport scheme.
Price
£44.25 per adult | £39.45 per concession | £34.50 per child | Under 3s go free!
Buying a Science Passport
The best way to purchase is online as you will be able to manage your Science Passport and renew through your online account in future and we will keep you up to date when your year is nearly up.