Plan Your Visit to Edinburgh Zoo
We are open every day of the year, including Christmas Day, from 9am until:
| 6.00pm | April - Sept. |
| 5.00pm | Oct. & March |
| 4.30pm | Nov. - Feb. |
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One-week Zoological Science Summer School Courses 2012
The science summer school courses are run by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland's Education Department and are aimed at young people aged 15 and 16 years old (S4 - S5).
Science Summer School 2012 will run at the Highland Wildlife Park on the weeks commencing the 9th and 16th of July and at Edinburgh Zoo on the weeks commencing the 30th July and 6th of August.
If you are a student, teacher or parent and would like to register your interest in the 2011 Science Summer School please download and complete this form: Science Summer School form . Please note: this course is for young people aged 15-16 (S4 – S5).
The courses will run from Monday to Friday 9.00am to 4.00pm. It is a 1-week commitment during the school holidays, so it is essential we only have students that can make the whole week.
Students will spend the week studying aspects of the captive environment which influence animal behaviour and will be introduced to basic methods and techniques used to evaluate recorded observations. These techniques will include recognition of animal behaviour categories, observation recording, data collection, introductory analysis, literature searching and scientific writing.
They will be introduced to scientific areas such as animal welfare, genetic management, ecology, nutrition and physiology. Transferable skills acquired within this framework will include the use of computer programmes including Microsoft Word, Excel and Powerpoint; introduction to online literature databases; use of internet and e-mail; public speaking; independent and team-based working skills.
Watch a video on the Living Links YouTube channel showing one science summer school class' experience! (Also available in BSL.)
The course is organised by the Zoo’s education staff, but there will also be input from Zoo research staff, keepers and vets. However, it must be stressed that the students WILL NOT be working with the animals and there will be little physical contact with them. The week contains a heavy work load concentrating on non-invasive animal research/science, so we are keen to attract the most committed students.
The students would be expected to bring their own packed lunches each day but drinks and snacks will be provided at breaks. There will be a late session (until approx 9pm) on Thursday, where we will organise a meal together. On the last day it will be possible for teachers and family to come along and listen to what the students have done during the week.
This is a great opportunity for young scientists to get together, explore the science behind zoos, meet some unusual challenges and have fun as well as work hard.
The course is FREE to all selected students.
Applying to the Highland Wildlife Park Science Summer School:
Please contact Jasper Hughes, Education Officer at Highland Wildlife Park by email jhughes@rzss.org.uk
or telephone 01540 651 981
Applying to the Edinburgh Zoo Science Summer School:
Please contact Polly Phillpot, Senior Education Officer at Edinburgh Zoo by email pphillpot@rzss.org.uk
or telephone 0131 314 0335