for Schools

The Earth Observatory is a dedicated outreach centre which hosts outreach and learning activities for schools and the community.

Learning through fun

The centre offers a full range of facilities and expertise in science education and how science relates to the world around us. Students get to interact with the campus and explore the grounds as they learn.

Innovation

The subject area itself is innovative with development happening at a fast pace. Students learn on a unique 617 acre site incorporating and trialling new technologies including smart lighting systems, solar PV, solar PV, 100m ground source heat boreholes, 800m methane extraction borehole and featuring stunning resources including extensive woodland, lakes and historic buildings. The site is used extensively in our education activities.

Students pick up more than subject knowledge working in groups as they communicate with each other and reflect on their role in protecting the environment.

Dr Sharon George, Keele University Sustainability Hub Manager

The Hub runs learning activities around four key themes:

school children Hydrosphere

  • Aquatic life and water quality
  • Oceans and rivers
  • Pollution
  • Groundwater mobility
  • Drought and water conservation
  • Hydropower, wave and tidal energy

Atmosphere

  • Weather, climate change and drought
  • Gas and fuel, fuel density and CO2
  • Pollution
  • Wind and Solar power

Geosphere

  • Soil science, pH and organic content
  • Structure of the earth and geothermal energy
  • Rock, fracking and earthquakes
  • Oil and gas
  • Fossils and Dinosaurs

Biosphere

  • Woodlands and habitats
  • Invasive species
  • Adaptation
  • Ecology and conservation
  • Birds, bats, bees and minibeasts
  • Bioenergy, biomass  and food security
  • Short-term carbon cycle

Schools can book a bespoke session for an hour, half day, full day or even a residential summer school based on the above themes or choose from our programme of popular workshops. Prices are available on request and depend on numbers and requirements.

Contact: keelehub@keele.ac.uk  or telephone: 01782 733555

Really Rubbish Programme

really rubbish Really Rubbish Day – a one day activity-packed experience with fun and interactive sessions on waste, pollution, recycling and reuse. Activities include making exhibits and objects from rubbish whilst exploring important issues of waste and sustainable living. (Key stages 1 to 4)

Really Rubbish Rockets – a half day workshop involving making water powered rockets (Key stages 2 and 3)

Really Rubbish Robots – a fun half hour workshop racing robots round a course made from recycled rubbish (Key stages 0 to 5)

Really Rubbish Crafts – Customise linen bags with your own designs from old clothes and fabric in this fun and messy workshop (Key stages 0 to 3)

CAGS – The Chemistry and Green Sciences Teacher Network

CAGS is an informal network of people teaching Chemistry and the Green Sciences sponsored by the Royal Society of Chemistry that meets around once a term to:

  • Get new ideas for activities to inspire students
  • Find out what is current in these research areas
  • Gain stronger links with Keele University
  • Discuss issues in teaching chemistry and green topics

There are no obligations on attendance and no strings attached! To get involved: contact Heidi Dobbs, RSC Regional Coordinator: Midlands heidi.dobbs@nottingham.ac.uk