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Dynamic Earth to join science centres across Scotland to deliver water cycle workshop with Scottish Water

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  Published in Science and Technology on Friday, September 5th 2025 at 7:16 GMT by The Scotsman
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Dynamic Earth partners with Scottish Water to launch immersive water‑cycle workshops across Scotland

By a research journalist

In a bold move to deepen students’ understanding of one of Earth’s most vital processes, Dynamic Earth – the popular science centre in Kirkcudbright – has announced that it will join a national network of science centres to deliver a new, hands‑on workshop on the water cycle. The programme, developed in partnership with Scottish Water, will run in a series of rotating sessions at venues from Glasgow to Inverness, offering pupils a chance to see the science behind everyday water in an engaging, curriculum‑aligned format.

The vision: Turning the water cycle into a classroom adventure

The water cycle, the continuous journey of water through evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and runoff, is a topic that sits at the heart of many science curricula but can often feel abstract to young learners. According to the programme’s lead – Dr. Sarah Mitchell, education director at Dynamic Earth – the aim is to bring the cycle out of textbooks and into a living, interactive experience.

“In Scotland, water is part of our identity – from the lochs and loams that shaped our landscape to the cities and farms that depend on it,” says Dr. Mitchell. “We want to make that connection palpable for students, helping them grasp not just how water moves, but why it matters for climate, agriculture, and everyday life.”

The workshops are designed for students aged 9–14, aligning with the Scottish National Curriculum’s science and environmental studies sections. Each session will last approximately two hours and will feature a mixture of guided experiments, digital simulations, and role‑play activities that illustrate key concepts such as phase changes, the water‑water‑climate interface, and the human impact on water resources.

Building on a national partnership

Dynamic Earth’s entry into this project is part of a wider initiative that began last year, when a consortium of 12 science centres – including the Glasgow Science Centre, the National Museum of Scotland, and the Edinburgh Zoo – signed a memorandum of understanding with Scottish Water to expand water‑education outreach. The partnership is funded by a joint grant from the Scottish Government’s STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) Education Programme and a contribution from the Water Technology Institute.

Scottish Water’s chief water‑cycle officer, Mr. James Douglas, highlighted the importance of the collaboration: “We’ve always been keen to work with the educational community to raise awareness of the water cycle and how it is being affected by climate change. By partnering with Dynamic Earth and other centres, we can deliver science that’s as compelling as it is factual.”

The project’s structure is intentionally modular: each science centre will host a ‘water‑cycle hub’ that can be swapped between schools, allowing for a flexible delivery model that can reach rural and urban schools alike. A dedicated training module for teachers will also be rolled out, equipping educators with lesson plans, assessment rubrics, and a digital resource library.

Inside the workshop: Experiential learning at its best

The core of the workshop is an interactive “water‑cycle laboratory” that uses a combination of physical apparatuses and virtual reality (VR) to simulate the journey of water molecules. Pupils begin by building a simple evaporation chamber, observing how heat energy turns liquid into vapor, and then using a hygrometer to measure humidity. From there, the module shifts to a condensation exercise where students watch water droplets form on a cold surface, and finally a precipitation experiment that demonstrates how atmospheric conditions influence rain and snow.

In addition to these hands‑on experiments, the workshop incorporates a role‑play segment called “The Water Network.” Pupils are divided into groups representing different stages of the water cycle – from clouds to rivers to aquifers – and must collaborate to solve a series of challenges that mirror real‑world water‑management problems. The exercise not only reinforces the science but also encourages teamwork, critical thinking, and problem‑solving skills.

Digital resources also play a key role. Using the Dynamic Earth app, students can explore a 3‑D model of the water cycle, track the journey of a virtual water droplet through different ecosystems, and answer quizzes that provide instant feedback. The app is available for free download on iOS and Android, ensuring that the workshop’s impact extends beyond the classroom.

Wider impact: From classroom to community

Beyond its immediate educational value, the initiative is designed to foster a sense of stewardship for water resources. As part of the concluding segment, each group creates a “Water‑Cycle Action Plan” that proposes practical steps for their local community to conserve water or protect local waterways. Some of these plans are expected to be presented to local councils and schools, providing a real‑world platform for student voices.

Dynamic Earth’s founder, Dr. Andrew Macdonald, underscored the long‑term benefits: “Our mission is to inspire curiosity and responsibility. By connecting students to the water that flows through their own towns and farms, we hope to cultivate a generation that will think critically about water scarcity, climate resilience, and sustainable resource management.”

The first pilot session took place at the Inverness Science Centre last autumn, where over 300 students participated. Feedback from teachers and pupils alike has been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the hands‑on approach and the relevance of the material to contemporary environmental challenges.

Looking ahead

The programme is slated to roll out fully in early 2025, with the first set of workshops scheduled for January in Aberdeen and Perth. Dynamic Earth will lead the national launch event in Glasgow, featuring a keynote speech from Scottish Water’s chief water‑cycle officer and a demonstration of the new VR module.

The partnership also has plans for future expansion. As part of the broader STEM strategy, the consortium is exploring ways to incorporate water‑cycle themes into cross‑curricular projects that involve geography, economics, and digital media. The goal is to create a comprehensive, networked approach to water education that can be replicated across the UK.

For schools interested in participating, Dynamic Earth and Scottish Water will be hosting a free “Workshop 101” webinar next week, outlining how to apply for a session slot and what logistical support will be available.

In summary, Dynamic Earth’s collaboration with Scottish Water marks a significant step forward in environmental education across Scotland. By transforming the water cycle from an abstract concept into an interactive, hands‑on experience, the initiative promises to deepen students’ scientific understanding while fostering a lifelong respect for one of the planet’s most precious resources. As climate change continues to intensify the importance of water‑management skills, programmes like this will play a pivotal role in preparing the next generation to navigate the complex challenges ahead.