Secondary School Lesson Programme

Animal Behaviour - An Introduction

An introduction to the behaviour of animals examining their diversity, evolution, social groupings and unique behavioural adaptations.

Available at both Highland Wildlife Park and Edinburgh Zoo

Suitable for S1 - S6.

Animal Behaviour

An extended introduction to the behaviour of animals examining their diversity, evolution, social groupings and unique behavioural adaptations. Following an indoor session, the group will head out into the zoo and discover how various behavioural adaptations are aiding species survival in a changing world.

Available at both Highland Wildlife Park and Edinburgh Zoo

Suitable for S1 - S6.

Animal Behaviour - With Pilot Study

An extended introduction to the behaviour of primates examining their diversity, evolution, social groupings and unique behavioural adaptations. Following an indoor session, the group will head out into the zoo and discover how research helps us to maximize the welfare of animals in our care, before ending with the opportunity to complete pilot studies of their own observational behavioural research projects using ethograms and datasheets.

Available at both Highland Wildlife Park and Edinburgh Zoo

Suitable for S1 - S6.

Biodiversity

A look into the key concepts of biodiversity including genetic, species and ecosystem diversity. This session also looks at threats to biodiversity and some conservation efforts that are happening today.

Available at both Highland Wildlife Park and Edinburgh Zoo

Suitable for Secondary 1 to 6

Evolution & Adaptations

During this interactive session and tour students will discover more about the process of evolution by looking at natural selection and adaptations, and thinking about the impacts of a changing world on species survival.

Available at both Highland Wildlife Park and Edinburgh Zoo

Suitable for S1 - S6.

Reproduction

This reproduction session (AKA. How to make a baby panda) covers the diversity of reproductive strategies and how these are handled in a captive situation.

Available at Edinburgh Zoo only.

Suitable for S1 - S6.

Introduction to Zoos & Conservation

An overview of the role of modern zoos as centres for conservation, education and research. Discuss the dilemmas that zoos and conservation organisations face regularly.

Available at Edinburgh Zoo only

Suitable for S1 - S6.

Themed Tour

Not seeing the topic you would like to focus on? Then request a theme of your choice and we will tailor our storytelling on a tour of our zoo to meet the specific learning needs of your group.

Available at both Highland Wildlife Park and Edinburgh Zoo and can be delivered virtually

Suitable for all ages

Bus Tour

Our Highland Wildlife Park Discovery & Learning officer will join you on your coach for this tour through the main reserve drive through.

Available at Highland Wildlife Park

Suitable for all ages

Animal Handling ADD ON ONLY

Want to get up close to our animals? Join us to handle and learn about some of our most interesting species. Available as an add-on with any booked session at Edinburgh Zoo.

Available at Edinburgh Zoo only

Suitable for all ages

Self-guided Visit

Why not bring your group along on a self guided visit?

Available at both Highland Wildlife Park and Edinburgh Zoo

Suitable for all ages

Ask the Zoos

Join Edinburgh Zoo and the Highland Wildlife Park for a virtual tour of both sites and ask them any questions your class might have. You and your class can prepare some questions in advance of your session, using our online maps to see what animals we might visit!

Available on virtual

Suitable for all ages

Pandas: Specialists and Conservation

A tour-based session using identification keys to look at the unique physiological and behavioural characteristics of species.

Available at Edinburgh Zoo

Suitable for Secondary 1 - 3