Pupils from Auchtertool Primary School take a walk on the wild side

Fife (19 May 2010) -- Pupils from Auchtertool School took a walk on the wild side and learned why some animals have fur and others have scales, when Generation Science arrived in their classroom.

The exciting interactive ‘On the Wild Side’ workshop gave pupils the opportunity to discover more about mammals and reptiles through handling live animals and close observation. Using a mixture of live guinea pigs, rats, snakes, toads and fish, pupils discovered how to identify the five vertebrate groups by examining some of their more obvious distinguishing features, such as body covering, breathing, breeding and body temperature. The show is delivered in conjunction with Edinburgh Zoo and the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland.
 
Simon Gage, director of the Edinburgh International Science Festival, said: “In 2009, Generation Science visited more than 600 schools and 65,000 pupils throughout Scotland. The programme of events is a vitally important way of helping children, parents and teachers grasp and get excited by the true magic and meaning of science. We give school children the tools and confidence to make informed lifestyle choices about health, food and work, and teach them how to sustainably use our planet’s resources. The programme is incredibly varied and exciting so we really hope that pupils will be inspired to become more involved in science both now and in the future.”

Mrs Johnson, headteacher from Auchtertool Primary School, said: "We are delighted to welcome the Generation Science tour to our school. The “On the Wild Side’ show is an excellent way of engaging children and making science fun and enjoyable.  It also reinforces science concepts and introduces the children to new ones using a hands-on practical approach which the school can then follow up with general discussion."

"I would also like to thank ExxonMobil Chemical at the Fife Ethylene Plant for their ongoing support to Auchtertool Primary School via their Link Schools Programme. It is funding from this programme which has allowed us over many years to offer a variety of fun and informative science events, such as this at the school.”

On the Wild Side is just one of 17 amazing shows and workshops provided by Generation Science that are designed to make science fun, exciting and easy to understand, and to help teachers cover the school science curriculum. The Generation Science tour has activities for all ages, from infant classes right up to upper primary.