Learning
A big welcome to all learners
Access for learning is important to us at the National Mining Museum Scotland. Coal, coal mining and the coal cultural heritage of Scotland are punchy, relevant and fascinating topics. Coal mining is a significant part of Scotland’s history and the story of coal is an exciting and inspiring tale vividly brought to life at the museum. Learners and teachers of all ages and stages, from Scotland and beyond, call us for help and ideas. The curatorial team, front of house staff, library volunteers, miner guides and Education Support Officer are happy to help and a visit to the National Mining Museum Scotland itself, offers a unique, first-hand learning experience in the context of a real colliery.
Schools
Coal is a great topic for schools…it always has been. It works effectively in both a primary and secondary setting and is well placed for the cross-curricular methodology of the new Curriculum for Excellence. The topic can pull together history, science and energy studies. It can kick start inspiration for art, creative writing and drama. Geography, politics, the built environment and more can be linked and made relevant by using the museum as a resource.
Partnership Projects
We have successfully devised, delivered and sustained programmes through partnership working. Science, Design Technology, Geology, Dance, Local History and Art have been the subject of partnership projects at the museum. Interested? Don’t hesitate to get in touch.
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Advice
The Education Support Officer is always happy to share ideas and suggest ways to make your visit suit your specific teaching needs. Don’t hesitate to get in touch.
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Education Room
Move in for the day! Why not use our Education Room for a base. Lockable bunkers for bags are available.
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or call 0131 663 7519
Bookings
Contact: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 0131 663 7519
Learning Gallery
Informal Learning
Children Downloads
Adult Downloads
The Story Of Coal
A well presented starting point to get to know the topic; “The Story of Coal” exhibition begins with coal’s creation in the Carboniferous period 360 million years ago and follows man’s efforts to extract it from the 13th Century to modern times.
DOWNLOAD TEACHERS PACKA Race Apart
The “A Race Apart” exhibition is the story of the people of Scotland’s mining communities. Here the visitor can find out what life was like – at home and at work – for the men and their families who toiled so hard for Scotland’s Black Diamonds.
The Operations Centre
“The Operations Centre” has been designed for school children and offers a stimulating, interactive learning experience. Mining related science and engineering principles are demonstrated in a series of interactive exhibits which offer young people problems to solve through experiment, application of their knowledge and creative thinking.
You can build an archway with foam blocks to create a bridge strong enough to walk across, try to pedal fast enough on a bicycle to light up a light bulb and work out how to use gears and pulleys to haul loads of slopes and shafts. There are lots of things to find out.
DOWNLOAD TEACHERS PACKBevin Boys
"Keeping the Home Fires burning - The Bevin Boys. The forgotten men of the Home Front "
An interesting perspective on the Second World War, our Bevin Boys pack tells the story of the young men who were conscripted into coal mines during the Second World War. The pack was designed with upper primary and lower secondary pupils in mind. It was devised during the Heritage Lottery – Home Front Recall reminiscence project and includes real memories from Scottish veterans.