Making a Splash at Water Workshops

Dundee school pupils have enjoyed a new workshop delving into the fascinating world of water.

Twenty-two primary six pupils from St Pius Primary School took part in the Scottish Water ‘Water Cycle Workshop’ at Dundee Science Centre. 

Launched in collaboration with Aberdeen Science Centre last year, the workshop, part of Scottish Water’s Generation H2O education programme, is now expanding to Dundee Science Centre, Glasgow Science Centre, Edinburgh’s Dynamic Earth, and the Highlands and Islands. Delivered through the Science Skills Academy, it will engage more than 2,400 primary school children over the next ten months.

The workshop allows pupils to create a mini water cycle and investigate the processes involved in having clean, safe water in our taps.  It provides access to water-focused STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) resources while enhancing understanding of the water cycle, water treatment processes and the importance of conserving this vital resource.

Pupils from St Pius Primary in the Douglas area of Dundee were invited to attend the first workshop at the Dundee Science Centre in recognition of their contribution to the community.

The eco-conscious primary 6 pupils take part in a weekly litter pick at Douglas Community Park and were part of Scottish Water’s consultation as to what they would like to see in the park as part of the Water Resilient Dundee Partnership to develop nature-based solutions and enhance placemaking in the streets and spaces surrounding the area.

On attending the workshop, class teacher Ryan Rennie said: “The class were delighted and proud to receive a trip to Dundee Science Centre in recognition of all their hard work to keep their local environment tidy and safe. They all thoroughly enjoyed the workshop and could not wait to share their learning with their parents and carers.” 

Jill Farrell, CEO, Dundee Science Centre, added, "Water has such a crucial role to play in so many areas of life, from keeping our bodies healthy to growing the food we eat, powering endless industries and sustaining the environment around us.  Without it, life, health and society as we know it just couldn’t function.

“Focusing on water, and particularly the water cycle, is therefore a great way to engage learners in STEM, helping children and young people understand why water is a limited resource, how weather and climate are connected, and why protecting our environment keeps this natural cycle healthy. In turn, our learners and visitors can develop a deeper appreciation of the role water plays, inspiring them to think critically, live responsibly and preserve this vital resource for future generations.”

Alex Plant, Scottish Water Chief Executive, said: “It’s fantastic to see this positive legacy, which follows on from our Annual Consultative Meeting last year in Aberdeen, and this year in Dundee. Expanding the workshop to other Science Centres across Scotland is an important step in developing key STEM skills and inspiring the next generation, some of whom may form part of our future workforce. And all of this helps to get across to young people the importance and value of water, on which we all depend. 

“We were delighted this year to be joined by the children of St Pius Primary as the school has played an important part in the development of the nature-based solutions at Douglas Community Park. The children have shown they care for their local community by carrying out weekly litter picks, so it was only fitting they had the chance to come along for the first water cycle workshop at the Dundee Science Centre. It was brilliant to hear how many of them are already using water wisely in their homes, and how they are urging family and friends to do the same.” 

Aberdeen Science Centre have been pivotal in leading and managing the Water Cycle Expansion project and is responsible for training project partners in the delivery, evaluation and follow-up of the Water Cycle Workshop. 

Funded workshops will be available to primary schools in Dundee, Angus, parts of Fife,  Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire, parts of Moray, Glasgow and Greater Glasgow, Edinburgh, The Lothians, Caithness and Orkney. 

The workshops are being funded as part of Scottish Water’s Generation H2O programme which aims to teach young people the importance of our precious resource and inspire responsible water citizens. Since launch in September 2023, over 900 teachers have registered for Generation H2O reaching nearly 59,000 young people. 

For more information on the Dundee Science Centre workshops, visit www.dundeesciencecentre.org.uk