Learning

The Surgeons’ Hall Museum Learning Team has developed an inclusive educational programme for a range of audiences including schools, colleges, universities, community groups, families and adult learners.

The Museum is open 7 days a week, 10am-5pm, last entry is 4.30pm

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Learning

Schools

The collections offer many opportunities to study cross circular links between art, science, history and English. We are always happy to try and arrange sessions that meet your learning needs and support the Curriculum for Excellence. If you are looking for a session in addition to the ones listed below, please contact us to see if we can help.

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Secondary school workshops

History of Medicine (45 minutes)

Students explore the exciting developments that have occurred in medicine over the last 500 years, including the discovery of anaesthetics and antiseptics. Tasks include handling old surgical instruments, preparing for a modern operation and learning how to administer an anaesthetic.

The Reality Behind Fleshmarket (30 minutes)

Aimed at pupils reading the novel Fleshmarket, this workshop uses handling objects to discover the real story of Burke and Hare and 19th century surgery.

Surgical Skills (45 minutes)

Experience life as a surgeon by trying out techniques used by the College to train surgeons. Find out how to scrub up for theatre, give an anaesthetic and stitch up a patient.
Please note: due to the nature of this workshop we can only accommodate 14 students per session.

Exploring Mutations (30 minutes)

Aimed at Higher and Advanced Higher Biology pupils, this workshop uses pathology samples to explore the effects of DNA mutations. Pupils explore genotypes and the corresponding phenotypes.

Exploring the Pathology of Cardiovascular Disease (30 minutes)

Aimed at higher human biology pupils, this workshop uses pathology samples to explore the effects of cardiovascular disease. Pupils explore examples of atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease.

Forensic Bones (30 minutes)

Pupils use real-world forensic techniques and maths to investigate the clues in our recently discovered skeleton. Please contact our Learning team to find out more.

Primary School Workshops Suitable for P5+

Our Amazing Body (45 minutes)

Using hands-on, fun activities children discover the fascinating functions of the human body, with a focus on digestion, the respiratory and circulatory systems.

Surgery in the Past (45 minutes)

What was surgery like hundreds of years ago? Using handling objects, discover what it would have been like to have an operation without any pain relief. Find out about some of the big breakthroughs that happened here in Scotland that led to modern day surgery.

  • Free Online Workshops

    If you are too far away to visit the Museum the Learning Team at Surgeons’ Hall Museum are pleased to offer a free live online version of their History of Medicine (Secondary) and Surgery in the Past (Primary) workshops.

    Free online Secondary and Primary School Workshops

  • Free Teacher Tours

    If you are a teacher interested in bringing a group to visit the Museum, why not join us for a free familiarisation visit?

    Explore our galleries and learning space to help inform your planning. Meet with our learning staff to discuss potential visit options. 

    Get In Touch
Further Education

We offer guided tours for colleges, universities & community groups and try to tailor these to your area of study/interest wherever possible.

Families

Keep an eye on our events page for fun-filled family learning events organised throughout the year.

Events
Classroom Resources

You can find a whole range of resources that are aligned to the Scottish Curriculum for Excellence and National Curriculum in England

Classroom Resources