Our STEM workshops invite learners to explore the science, technology, engineering and mathematics that shape our world, with hands-on experiences in Aerospace, Environmental Science, and Green Energy. From investigating the forces that help aircraft fly, to uncovering the hidden ecosystems beneath our feet, to experimenting with the technologies powering a more sustainable future, pupils are encouraged to think critically, get involved, and follow their curiosity. Whether working outdoors, experimenting in our classrooms, or tackling real-world challenges, our workshops help learners build confidence, problem-solving skills and a richer understanding of how STEM connects to everyday life.
To learn more about the workshops currently available for all stages, please see below.
Aerospace – Early Primary Stage – Full Day Worskhop – 10am – 2pm
Shoot to the Moon & Skygazers: From solar cycles to rocket science, these two space-themed workshops invite pupils to explore the wonders of the universe. In Skygazers, they’ll uncover how the sun and moon shape life on Earth, while Shoot to the Moon lets them get hands-on with forces and engineering as they build and launch their own mini rocket.
Aerospace – Late Primary Stage – Full Day Workshop – 10am – 2pm
Up, Up & Away and Science Safari: This late primary aerospace workshop combines Up, Up & Away and Science Safari, giving pupils a dynamic, hands-on learning experience. Working in teams, pupils build on their knowledge of forces to design and test gliders capable of flying increasing distances, exploring key concepts such as drag, lift and thrust through the engineering design process. Alongside this, pupils take part in a high-tech treasure hunt around the estate, locating puzzle boxes that contain STEM challenges; only by solving each puzzle correctly can they progress to the next location. Please note: this is an outdoor workshop involving walking around the estate, and in the event of extreme weather an alternative may be offered.
Aerospace – Early Secondary Stage – Full Day Workshop – 10am – 3pm
Inspect and Repair: Step into the world of aerospace engineering with our hands-on maintenance mission. Pupils begin with a navigation challenge using remote-controlled cars—but there’s a twist. Their vehicles won’t budge. To get them operational, teams must undergo “engineering training,” carrying out a full inspection and completing essential repairs. Along the way, pupils will learn how to solder, diagnose faults and complete an inspection report, gaining insight into the real roles involved in aerospace maintenance and repair. This workshop blends teamwork, technical skills and problem-solving to give pupils a true taste of life as an aerospace engineer.
Green Energy – Early Primary Stage – Full Day Workshop – 10am – 2pm
Simple Circuits & Elemental Energy: These early primary Green Energy workshops, “Simple Circuits” and “Elemental Energy,” introduce pupils to the science of energy through hands-on exploration and experimentation, as they discover how electrical circuits work, learn to use low voltages safely, and build simple circuits using everyday conductors and insulators. Pupils will also explore how engineers imagine, design, build, and test technologies that transform one form of energy into another, helping them develop a foundational understanding of energy and its real-world applications. Please note: this is an outdoor workshop involving walking around the estate; in the event of extreme weather, an alternative may be offered.
Green Energy – Late Primary Stage – Full Day Workshop – 10am – 2pm
Creative Circuits & Creative Circuits and Science Safari:
This late primary Green Energy workshop, “Creative Circuits” and “Science Safari,” combines hands-on electrical experimentation with outdoor problem-solving as pupils explore how electricity works by building mini circuits with a variety of materials, investigating series and parallel circuits, and creating light-up greeting cards to take home. In addition, pupils take part in a high-tech treasure hunt around the estate, locating puzzle boxes containing STEM challenges that must be solved correctly to progress to the next location. Please note: this is an outdoor workshop involving walking around the estate; in the event of extreme weather, an alternative may be offered.
Environmental Science – Early Primary Stage – Full Day Workshop 10am – 2pm
These early primary environmental science workshops, “Wild Bodies” and “Nature Detectives,” immerse pupils in the natural world as they explore the diversity of animals, from enormous elephants to fragile frogs, discovering the similarities and differences between their bodies and our own, and giving them the opportunity to design and build their own imaginative monsters. Pupils will also investigate the abundance of minibeasts on Dumfries House Estate, learning how to find, categorise, and count them while developing observation and classification skills. Please note: this is an outdoor workshop involving walking around the estate; in the event of extreme weather, an alternative may be offered.
Environmental Science – Late Primary Stage – Full Day Workshop – 10am – 2pm
Water World: Pupils will consider the importance of clean water in the context of the Sustainable Development Goals, and carry out a chemical, physical and biological survey of the waterways around Dumfries House Estate. Pupils will the have a go at cleaning up the water samples using filtration techniques.
NOTE: This is an outdoor workshop that involves walking around the estate, in the event of extreme weather an alternative may be offered.
Environmental Science – Early Secondary Stage – Full Day Workshop – 10am – 3pm
Estate of Nature: In this hands-on workshop, pupils explore Dumfries House Estate to gather data from camera traps, observe non-native species, and investigate plant pests and diseases. They will research what makes a species native, non-native, or invasive, and discuss the impact on ecosystems. In the full-day session, pupils will also learn to present their findings using graphs and GIS mapping tools, turning observations into clear, visual data. Please note: this is an outdoor workshop involving walking around the estate; in the event of extreme weather, an alternative may be offered.
Our school education workshops support the delivery of The Curriculum for Excellence, and many of our activities are based outdoors on our 2000 acre estate, making use of our natural spaces to inspire learning. The King’s Foundation works in harmony with the natural world, and as such our workshops also touch upon the UN Sustainable Development goals and support learning for sustainability.
COSTS
Workshops for Primary schools are charged at £5.50 per head, based on numbers provided at point of booking. Secondary school workshops are free. You will receive an invoice from The King’s Foundation via email once your booking is confirmed.
If you require further information on any of our STEM workshops prior to booking, please contact us at dh.education@kings-foundation.org