Learning Activities
Activity ideas and inspiration to help families learn anywhere.
Activity ideas and inspiration to help families learn anywhere.
Looking for things to do? On this page you'll find an ever-growing list of fun activity ideas to help stave off boredom and fuel your learning at home! We'll be adding to this list every single weekday with a new Challenge of the Day. And every Friday, you'll find a new Family Learning Challenge packed with even more activities for you to enjoy.
Find the full range of Children's University downloadable activity sheets here.
If you have an Aspire account, you can collect credits for the activities you complete. Don't forget to share your challenges online with us and your school community (instructions can be found at the bottom of the page).
Our series of fun Family Learning Challenges continues!
This week's theme is Sports Day! This week's challenges focus on fun sports-themed activities to help you get active!
How to take part. Each Family Learning Challenge is a mini themed project packed with fun activities ideas for you to explore together. And at the end, we'll set you a final family challenge that you can complete and submit to Children's University and to your school community online to share your amazing work.
If you are a member of Children's University, you can collect 2 credits for completing the final family challenge and submitting it to us.
Don't forget to log the activity on Aspire to claim your credits! (Search for 'Family Learning Challenge'.)
Download
Our series of fun Family Learning Challenges continues!
This week's theme is: Eco Week! This week's challenges focus on activities to become more Eco-friendly at home!
How to take part. Each Family Learning Challenge is a mini themed project packed with fun activities ideas for you to explore together. And at the end, we'll set you a final family challenge that you can complete and submit to Children's University and to your school community online to share your amazing work.
If you are a member of Children's University, you can collect 2 credits for completing the final family challenge and submitting it to us. Log the activity on Aspire to claim your credits! (Search for 'Family Learning Challenge'.)
Download
Challenge of the Day #50 -
For our last Challenge of the Day we’d like you to take some time to reflect on your “lockdown learning”. What do you know now that you didn’t before? Did you try something new? What have been some of your favourite activities? Talk about these with an adult or, if you are keeping one write it in your journal. Feel free to share your reflections with us too.
We’d love to hear what you thought about this Challenge of the Day! If you’d like to share what you’ve been doing for Challenge of the Day with the Children’s University Scotland team, ask an adult to get in touch with us. You could share words, pictures, a video or a voice recording. You can reach us by:
Email: contactus@childrensuniversity.scot
Twitter: Tag us @ChildrenUniScot and use the hashtag #ChallengeOfTheDay #CUS
Facebook: Tag us /ChildrensUniversityScotland and use the hashtag #ChallengeOfTheDay #CUS
Challenge of the Day #49 -
Test your balance and agility skills by learning some martial arts moves. Give the sequence below a go or follow this great tutorial video created especially for us by one of our learning providers, Steve McLaren Martial Arts https://youtu.be/GMZZ5UrPvpU
Remember to give yourself enough space to perform each movement safely.
We’d love to hear what you thought about this Challenge of the Day! If you’d like to share what you’ve been doing for Challenge of the Day with the Children’s University Scotland team, ask an adult to get in touch with us. You could share words, pictures, a video or a voice recording. You can reach us by:
Email: contactus@childrensuniversity.scot
Twitter: Tag us @ChildrenUniScot and use the hashtag #ChallengeOfTheDay #CUS
Facebook: Tag us /ChildrensUniversityScotland and use the hashtag #ChallengeOfTheDay #CUS
Challenge of the Day #48 - Fearless Eater!
Select 3 healthy foods that you’ve never tried before and give them a go. Before you test it out, think about what the food might taste like. Were you right? What makes the food you've chosen healthy? Why not write a review and share this with others.
We’d love to hear what you thought about this Challenge of the Day! If you’d like to share what you’ve been doing for Challenge of the Day with the Children’s University Scotland team, ask an adult to get in touch with us. You could share words, pictures, a video or a voice recording. You can reach us by:
Email: contactus@childrensuniversity.scot
Twitter: Tag us @ChildrenUniScot and use the hashtag #ChallengeOfTheDay #CUS
Facebook: Tag us /ChildrensUniversityScotland and use the hashtag #ChallengeOfTheDay #CUS
Challenge of the Day #47 - Invent a Fun Board Game!
Think of a fun theme and create your own board game. You could draw it out on paper or get crafty and make your board and counters from recycled materials.
We’d love to hear what you thought about this Challenge of the Day! If you’d like to share what you’ve been doing for Challenge of the Day with the Children’s University Scotland team, ask an adult to get in touch with us. You could share words, pictures, a video or a voice recording. You can reach us by:
Email: contactus@childrensuniversity.scot
Twitter: Tag us @ChildrenUniScot and use the hashtag #ChallengeOfTheDay #CUS
Facebook: Tag us /ChildrensUniversityScotland and use the hashtag #ChallengeOfTheDay #CUS
Challenge of the Day #46 - A Bug's Life!
Head outside on a bug hunt and create a pictogram or bar chart to show the different types of insects you find. This could be on a walk or by exploring an outside space at home.
Why are bugs so important? Can you think of ways we could make our outside spaces more bug friendly?
We’d love to hear what you thought about this Challenge of the Day! If you’d like to share what you’ve been doing for Challenge of the Day with the Children’s University Scotland team, ask an adult to get in touch with us. You could share words, pictures, a video or a voice recording. You can reach us by:
Email: contactus@childrensuniversity.scot
Twitter: Tag us @ChildrenUniScot and use the hashtag #ChallengeOfTheDay #CUS
Facebook: Tag us /ChildrensUniversityScotland and use the hashtag #ChallengeOfTheDay #CUS
Our series of fun Family Learning Challenges continues!
This week's theme is: Life Skills! This week's challenges focus on having fun learning life skills!
How to take part. Each Family Learning Challenge is a mini themed project packed with fun activities ideas for you to explore together. And at the end, we'll set you a final family challenge that you can complete and submit to Children's University and to your school community online to share your amazing work.
If you are a member of Children's University, you can collect 2 credits for completing the final family challenge and submitting it to us. Log the activity on Aspire to claim your credits! (Search for 'Family Learning Challenge'.)
Download
Challenge of the Day #45 - Body Scan!
To round off Mental Health Awareness week try this fun, mindful meditation exercise and take some time to relax.
How do you feel now compared to how you felt before you started?
We’d love to hear what you thought about this Challenge of the Day! If you’d like to share what you’ve been doing for Challenge of the Day with the Children’s University Scotland team, ask an adult to get in touch with us. You could share words, pictures, a video or a voice recording. You can reach us by:
Email: contactus@childrensuniversity.scot
Twitter: Tag us @ChildrenUniScot and use the hashtag #ChallengeOfTheDay #CUS
Facebook: Tag us /ChildrensUniversityScotland and use the hashtag #ChallengeOfTheDay #CUS
Challenge of the Day #44 - Deck of Fitness!
A fun way to get active! Use a deck of cards to decide what exercise move to do.
What you need: 1 deck of cards and your favourite tunes to work out to.
How to play:
Try doing this 4 times (4 rounds)
Hearts = Jumping Jacks Clubs = Push-Ups Diamonds = Invisible Jump Rope Jumps Spades = Squats
Top tips: Make sure you pace your activity safely. Don’t give up form for the sake of speed and have FUN!
We’d love to hear what you thought about this Challenge of the Day! If you’d like to share what you’ve been doing for Challenge of the Day with the Children’s University Scotland team, ask an adult to get in touch with us. You could share words, pictures, a video or a voice recording. You can reach us by:
Email: contactus@childrensuniversity.scot
Twitter: Tag us @ChildrenUniScot and use the hashtag #ChallengeOfTheDay #CUS
Facebook: Tag us /ChildrensUniversityScotland and use the hashtag #ChallengeOfTheDay #CUS
Challenge of the Day #43 - Mythical Creatures!
Scotland is home to many mythical creatures. Can you tell the story of one? You could write it or get creative and use pictures or a comic strip to tell your story!
We’d love to hear what you thought about this Challenge of the Day! If you’d like to share what you’ve been doing for Challenge of the Day with the Children’s University Scotland team, ask an adult to get in touch with us. You could share words, pictures, a video or a voice recording. You can reach us by:
Email: contactus@childrensuniversity.scot
Twitter: Tag us @ChildrenUniScot and use the hashtag #ChallengeOfTheDay #CUS
Facebook: Tag us /ChildrensUniversityScotland and use the hashtag #ChallengeOfTheDay #CUS
Challenge of the Day #42 - Discover the Mine!
Visit the National Mining Museum https://nationalminingmuseum.com/ and explore The Lady Victoria Collier, find out about life as a Victorian Miner and become a mine detective!
Share five key facts from your visit. Make sure you stop by the Learning zone and give some of the fun activities a go.
We’d love to hear what you thought about this Challenge of the Day! If you’d like to share what you’ve been doing for Challenge of the Day with the Children’s University Scotland team, ask an adult to get in touch with us. You could share words, pictures, a video or a voice recording. You can reach us by:
Email: contactus@childrensuniversity.scot
Twitter: Tag us @ChildrenUniScot and use the hashtag #ChallengeOfTheDay #CUS
Facebook: Tag us /ChildrensUniversityScotland and use the hashtag #ChallengeOfTheDay #CU
Challenge of the Day #41 - No Thumbs Challenge!
Give these challenges a go without using your thumbs. It’s not as easy as it sounds!
For added fun why not challenge a family member or give yourself a time limit.
We’d love to hear what you thought about this Challenge of the Day! If you’d like to share what you’ve been doing for Challenge of the Day with the Children’s University Scotland team, ask an adult to get in touch with us. You could share words, pictures, a video or a voice recording. You can reach us by:
Email: contactus@childrensuniversity.scot
Twitter: Tag us @ChildrenUniScot and use the hashtag #ChallengeOfTheDay #CUS
Facebook: Tag us /ChildrensUniversityScotland and use the hashtag #ChallengeOfTheDay #CUS
Our series of fun Family Learning Challenges continues!
This week's theme is: The Weather! This week's challenges focus on investigating the weather and having fun with some weather related activities!
How to take part. Each Family Learning Challenge is a mini themed project packed with fun activities ideas for you to explore together. And at the end, we'll set you a final family challenge that you can complete and submit to Children's University and to your school community online to share your amazing work.
If you are a member of Children's University, you can collect 2 credits for completing the final family challenge and submitting it to us. Log the activity on Aspire to claim your credits! (Search for 'Family Learning Challenge'.)
Download
Challenge of the Day #40 - Rainbow Spinner!
Rainbows are formed by white light from the sun being split into all its component colours by diffraction. The rainbow spinner reverses the process by taking all the colours of the rainbow and merging them back into white!
You will need; some card, a pencil and some coloured pens/pencils/crayons, some string (or a toothpick) and a pair of scissors.
Spin it round as quickly as you can and watch the colours merge into white!
Why not try mixing other colours to see what you can make?
We’d love to hear what you thought about this Challenge of the Day! If you’d like to share what you’ve been doing for Challenge of the Day with the Children’s University Scotland team, ask an adult to get in touch with us. You could share words, pictures, a video or a voice recording. You can reach us by:
Email: contactus@childrensuniversity.scot
Twitter: Tag us @ChildrenUniScot and use the hashtag #ChallengeOfTheDay #CUS
Facebook: Tag us /ChildrensUniversityScotland and use the hashtag #ChallengeOfTheDay #CUS
Challenge of the Day #39 - Design a Cycling Safety Poster!
We know lots of you will be cycling as part of your daily exercise just now. We’d love you to design a poster or info-graphic that tell us what it takes to be a safe cyclist. Your poster can include any information that would be useful, for example, wearing a helmet, protective clothing, obeying the rules of the road, and being aware of other traffic. Have fun!
Have your say – why not apply to join Children in Scotland’s "Changing Gears” Co-design team and share your views on cycling, safety and health and wellbeing. You can apply via their website https://childreninscotland.org.uk/cycling-scotland/ - Applications close on 18th May
We’d love to hear what you thought about this Challenge of the Day! If you’d like to share what you’ve been doing for Challenge of the Day with the Children’s University Scotland team, ask an adult to get in touch with us. You could share words, pictures, a video or a voice recording. You can reach us by:
Email: contactus@childrensuniversity.scot
Twitter: Tag us @ChildrenUniScot and use the hashtag #ChallengeOfTheDay #CUS
Facebook: Tag us /ChildrensUniversityScotland and use the hashtag #ChallengeOfTheDay #CUS
Challenge of the Day #38 - Design a Parachute!
Learn about air resistance while making an awesome parachute! Design one that can fall slowly to the ground before putting it to the test. You can make modifications as you go.
Here’s how;
Remember that you want it to drop as slow as possible.
We’d love to hear what you thought about this Challenge of the Day! If you’d like to share what you’ve been doing for Challenge of the Day with the Children’s University Scotland team, ask an adult to get in touch with us. You could share words, pictures, a video or a voice recording. You can reach us by:
Email: contactus@childrensuniversity.scot
Twitter: Tag us @ChildrenUniScot and use the hashtag #ChallengeOfTheDay #CUS
Facebook: Tag us /ChildrensUniversityScotland and use the hashtag #ChallengeOfTheDay #CUS
Challenge of the Day #37 - Find the Phrase!
Find the meaning of these phrases found in the plays written by William Shakespeare that are still commonly used today.
We’d love to hear what you thought about this Challenge of the Day! If you’d like to share what you’ve been doing for Challenge of the Day with the Children’s University Scotland team, ask an adult to get in touch with us. You could share words, pictures, a video or a voice recording. You can reach us by:
Email: contactus@childrensuniversity.scot
Twitter: Tag us @ChildrenUniScot and use the hashtag #ChallengeOfTheDay #CUS
Facebook: Tag us /ChildrensUniversityScotland and use the hashtag #ChallengeOfTheDay #CUS
Challenge of the Day #36 - Invisible Ink!
Try making your own invisible ink to send secret messages. All you need is some water, a lemon, cotton buds and a lamp.
Here’s How:
We’d love to hear what you thought about this Challenge of the Day! If you’d like to share what you’ve been doing for Challenge of the Day with the Children’s University Scotland team, ask an adult to get in touch with us. You could share words, pictures, a video or a voice recording. You can reach us by:
Email: contactus@childrensuniversity.scot
Twitter: Tag us @ChildrenUniScot and use the hashtag #ChallengeOfTheDay #CUS
Facebook: Tag us /ChildrensUniversityScotland and use the hashtag #ChallengeOfTheDay #CUS
Our series of fun Family Learning Challenges continues!
This week's theme is: Scottish Myths! This week's challenges focus on learning about some of the mystical Scottish creatures and exciting tales.
How to take part. Each Family Learning Challenge is a mini themed project packed with fun activities ideas for you to explore together. And at the end, we'll set you a final family challenge that you can complete and submit to Children's University and to your school community online to share your amazing work.
If you are a member of Children's University, you can collect 2 credits for completing the final family challenge and submitting it to us. Log the activity on Aspire to claim your credits! (Search for 'Family Learning Challenge'.)
Download
Challenge of the Day #35 - Film Review!
Take part in Into Film’s film review competition by writing a review of a film of your choice in 100 words and share with them via social media @intofilm_scot using #Review100. Winners receive £20 of Amazon vouchers! See their website for more info, review writing tips and the competition terms and conditions.
We’d love to hear what you thought about this Challenge of the Day! If you’d like to share what you’ve been doing for Challenge of the Day with the Children’s University Scotland team, ask an adult to get in touch with us. You could share words, pictures, a video or a voice recording. You can reach us by:
Email: contactus@childrensuniversity.scot
Twitter: Tag us @ChildrenUniScot and use the hashtag #ChallengeOfTheDay #CUS
Facebook: Tag us /ChildrensUniversityScotland and use the hashtag #ChallengeOfTheDay #CUS
Challenge of the Day #34 - Go dotty for Pointillism!
Pointillism is an art style using small patterns of coloured dots to create an image. The technique was developed by artists Georges Seurat and Paul Signac in 1886. Their entire paintings were created using dots of colour layered and overlapped to create different colour mixes, shapes, and shade. Why not give it a try using paint and a cotton bud (or your fingers!) or felt tip pens. We would love to see your creations.
We’d love to hear what you thought about this Challenge of the Day! If you’d like to share what you’ve been doing for Challenge of the Day with the Children’s University Scotland team, ask an adult to get in touch with us. You could share words, pictures, a video or a voice recording. You can reach us by:
Email: contactus@childrensuniversity.scot
Twitter: Tag us @ChildrenUniScot and use the hashtag #ChallengeOfTheDay #CUS
Facebook: Tag us /ChildrensUniversityScotland and use the hashtag #ChallengeOfTheDay #CUS
Challenge of the Day #33 - Science Scavenger Hunt!
How many of these items can you find around you home? Send us a picture of all the things you find!
We’d love to hear what you thought about this Challenge of the Day! If you’d like to share what you’ve been doing for Challenge of the Day with the Children’s University Scotland team, ask an adult to get in touch with us. You could share words, pictures, a video or a voice recording. You can reach us by:
Email: contactus@childrensuniversity.scot
Twitter: Tag us @ChildrenUniScot and use the hashtag #ChallengeOfTheDay #CUS
Facebook: Tag us /ChildrensUniversityScotland and use the hashtag #ChallengeOfTheDay #CUS
Challenge of the Day #32 - Learn to Play the Cups!
Grab a plastic cup (or container) and tap and clap along to the song made famous by Anna Kendrick in the movie Pitch Perfect with a little help from this easy to follow tutorial https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bqjTVGnlBg Try teaching other family members and perform it as a group. Feel free to share your videos with us.
We’d love to hear what you thought about this Challenge of the Day! If you’d like to share what you’ve been doing for Challenge of the Day with the Children’s University Scotland team, ask an adult to get in touch with us. You could share words, pictures, a video or a voice recording. You can reach us by:
Email: contactus@childrensuniversity.scot
Twitter: Tag us @ChildrenUniScot and use the hashtag #ChallengeOfTheDay #CUS
Facebook: Tag us /ChildrensUniversityScotland and use the hashtag #ChallengeOfTheDay #CUS
Challenge of the Day #31 - Positive News Day!
And now for the news, live from your home! Write a positive news story from events that have happened in your home in the last week, then read it out to your family or on a call with others as if you were broadcasting on tv from your living room. Top tip: each story in a news programme is quite short, so get the key facts into a few snappy sentences.
We’d love to hear what you thought about this Challenge of the Day! If you’d like to share what you’ve been doing for Challenge of the Day with the Children’s University Scotland team, ask an adult to get in touch with us. You could share words, pictures, a video or a voice recording. You can reach us by:
Email: contactus@childrensuniversity.scot
Twitter: Tag us @ChildrenUniScot and use the hashtag #ChallengeOfTheDay #CUS
Facebook: Tag us /ChildrensUniversityScotland and use the hashtag #ChallengeOfTheDay #CUS
Our series of fun Family Learning Challenges continues!
This week's theme is: Express Yourself! This week's challenges focus on being creative and expressing yourself through drama, music, dance and art activities!
How to take part. Each Family Learning Challenge is a mini themed project packed with fun activities ideas for you to explore together. And at the end, we'll set you a final family challenge that you can complete and submit to Children's University and to your school community online to share your amazing work.
If you are a member of Children's University, you can collect 2 credits for completing the final family challenge and submitting it to us. Log the activity on Aspire to claim your credits! (Search for 'Family Learning Challenge'.)
Download
Challenge of the Day #30 - Would You Rather?
At the moment, it may feel like we don’t have many opportunities to make decisions about what we’d like to do. But our imaginations can still run wild! Chat with someone at home or on a call and have fun exploring these silly decisions with good reasoning skills!
Would you rather eat cheese-flavoured ice cream or ice cream-flavoured cheese? Go without tv or books for the rest of your life? Explore the oceans or the moon?
We’d love to hear your ‘would you rather…?’ suggestions! Tell us on Twitter or Facebook and share your reasons for your decision.
You can reach us by:
Email: contactus@childrensuniversity.scot
Twitter: Tag us @ChildrenUniScot and use the hashtag #ChallengeOfTheDay #CUS
Facebook: Tag us /ChildrensUniversityScotland and use the hashtag #ChallengeOfTheDay #CUS
Challenge of the Day #29 - Swap Hands!
The hand you use most comfortably for a task is your dominant hand. Are you left or right-handed? Is your dominant hand the same for every task? Choose 5 small tasks to try using your non-dominant hand, e.g. writing a message, throwing a ball, using a fork, brushing your teeth. How did you get on?
We’d love to hear what you thought about this Challenge of the Day! If you’d like to share what you’ve been doing for Challenge of the Day with the Children’s University Scotland team, ask an adult to get in touch with us. You could share words, pictures, a video or a voice recording.
You can reach us by:
Email: contactus@childrensuniversity.scot
Twitter: Tag us @ChildrenUniScot and use the hashtag #ChallengeOfTheDay #CUS
Facebook: Tag us /ChildrensUniversityScotland and use the hashtag #ChallengeOfTheDay #CUS
Challenge of the Day #28 - Designer Packaging!
Choose a packaged food item that’s used in your home and redesign its packaging from recycled materials to make it more appealing to people like you. Make sure you include any important legal information on a label (e.g. allergens, use by date, country of origin). Do you want a customer to see any of the object inside the packaging? Is the shape of the packaging practical? Does the packaging keep the item safe and correctly stored until it’s used?
We’d love to hear what you thought about this Challenge of the Day! If you’d like to share what you’ve been doing for Challenge of the Day with the Children’s University Scotland team, ask an adult to get in touch with us. You could share words, pictures, a video or a voice recording.
You can reach us by:
Email: contactus@childrensuniversity.scot
Twitter: Tag us @ChildrenUniScot and use the hashtag #ChallengeOfTheDay #CUS
Facebook: Tag us /ChildrensUniversityScotland and use the hashtag #ChallengeOfTheDay #CUS
Challenge of the Day #27 - Digital Dancing!
Create your own dance from poses stored in an online archive. https://artsexperiments.withgoogle.com/living-archive/map?token=1585653891 You can search for moves by taking photos of yourself or explore the archive by ‘virtually’ walking around. Once your dance is finished, press play to watch the person move. Can you copy the dance at home? What music would work well with your dance?
We’d love to hear what you thought about this Challenge of the Day! If you’d like to share what you’ve been doing for Challenge of the Day with the Children’s University Scotland team, ask an adult to get in touch with us. You could share words, pictures, a video or a voice recording.
You can reach us by:
Email: contactus@childrensuniversity.scot
Twitter: Tag us @ChildrenUniScot and use the hashtag #ChallengeOfTheDay #CUS
Facebook: Tag us /ChildrensUniversityScotland and use the hashtag #ChallengeOfTheDay #CUS
Challenge of the Day #26 - 7 Seconds!
How many of these challenges can you complete in seven seconds each?
We’d love to hear what you thought about this Challenge of the Day! If you’d like to share what you’ve been doing for Challenge of the Day with the Children’s University Scotland team, ask an adult to get in touch with us. You could share words, pictures, a video or a voice recording.
You can reach us by:
Email: contactus@childrensuniversity.scot
Twitter: Tag us @ChildrenUniScot and use the hashtag #ChallengeOfTheDay #CUS
Facebook: Tag us /ChildrensUniversityScotland and use the hashtag #ChallengeOfTheDay #CUS
Our series of fun Family Learning Challenges continues!
This week's theme is: Superheroes! This week's challenges focus on celebrating the amazing work being done everyday by superheroes around the world!
How to take part. Each Family Learning Challenge is a mini themed project packed with fun activities ideas for you to explore together. And at the end, we'll set you a final family challenge that you can complete and submit to Children's University and to your school community online to share your amazing work.
If you are a member of Children's University, you can collect 2 credits for completing the final family challenge and submitting it to us. Log the activity on Aspire to claim your credits! (Search for 'Family Learning Challenge'.)
Download
Challenge of the Day #25 - Origami Bookmarks!
Create an amazing origami bookmark. Use folds and creases to give it shape, but your final design should fit into a book or cover a page corner. You can find lots of video tutorials and diagrams online, especially if you like animal shapes, or create your own unique design. Why not give it a face and an expression?
We’d love to hear what you thought about this Challenge of the Day! If you’d like to share what you’ve been doing for Challenge of the Day with the Children’s University Scotland team, ask an adult to get in touch with us. You could share words, pictures, a video or a voice recording.
You can reach us by:
Email: contactus@childrensuniversity.scot
Twitter: Tag us @ChildrenUniScot and use the hashtag #ChallengeOfTheDay #CUS
Facebook: Tag us /ChildrensUniversityScotland and use the hashtag #ChallengeOfTheDay #CUS
Challenge of the Day #24 - Celebrate World Book Night!
Join in Reading Hour from 7-8pm and celebrate World Book Night, the national celebration of reading and books. Maybe try to get the whole family involved by reading together? Whether you’re each reading your own book, an adult reading you a story before going to bed or listening to an audiobook. Remember to take a photo and tag #ChallengeOfTheDay and #ReadingHour
We’d love to hear what you thought about this Challenge of the Day! If you’d like to share what you’ve been doing for Challenge of the Day with the Children’s University Scotland team, ask an adult to get in touch with us. You could share words, pictures, a video or a voice recording.
You can reach us by:
Email: contactus@childrensuniversity.scot
Twitter: Tag us @ChildrenUniScot and use the hashtag #ChallengeOfTheDay #CUS
Facebook: Tag us /ChildrensUniversityScotland and use the hashtag #ChallengeOfTheDay #CUS
Challenge of the Day #23 - Ice Pickup!
1. Fill a glass to the top with water. Put an ice cube in the water. It will float.
2. Lay a piece of string across the ice cube and glass. Cover ice cube and string with a layer of salt and leave for one minute.
3. Carefully pick up the ends of the string.
Can you work out why this works?
We’d love to hear what you thought about this Challenge of the Day! If you’d like to share what you’ve been doing for Challenge of the Day with the Children’s University Scotland team, ask an adult to get in touch with us. You could share words, pictures, a video or a voice recording.
You can reach us by:
Email: contactus@childrensuniversity.scot
Twitter: Tag us @ChildrenUniScot and use the hashtag #ChallengeOfTheDay #CUS
Facebook: Tag us /ChildrensUniversityScotland and use the hashtag #ChallengeOfTheDay #CUS
Challenge of the Day #22 - Paper Coasters!
Create a table coaster or mat using rolled paper made from recycled junk mail. Start by rolling lots of thin tubes of paper, then carefully fold, press or squash them into your chosen shape. A thin layer of glue over the top will help the coaster keep its shape. Share your designs on Twitter or Facebook.
We’d love to hear what you thought about this Challenge of the Day! If you’d like to share what you’ve been doing for Challenge of the Day with the Children’s University Scotland team, ask an adult to get in touch with us. You could share words, pictures, a video or a voice recording.
You can reach us by:
Email: contactus@childrensuniversity.scot
Twitter: Tag us @ChildrenUniScot and use the hashtag #ChallengeOfTheDay #CUS
Facebook: Tag us /ChildrensUniversityScotland and use the hashtag #ChallengeOfTheDay #CUS
Challenge of the Day #21 - Hearing Aids!
Listen to the sounds around you. What can you hear? Use just one piece of paper to make a homemade hearing aid. Which shape is most effective? Can you work out why this is?
We’d love to hear what you thought about this Challenge of the Day! If you’d like to share what you’ve been doing for Challenge of the Day with the Children’s University Scotland team, ask an adult to get in touch with us. You could share words, pictures, a video or a voice recording.
You can reach us by:
Email: contactus@childrensuniversity.scot
Twitter: Tag us @ChildrenUniScot and use the hashtag #ChallengeOfTheDay #CUS
Facebook: Tag us /ChildrensUniversityScotland and use the hashtag #ChallengeOfTheDay #CUS
Our series of fun Family Learning Challenges continues!
This week's theme is: Self Care! This week's challenges focus on looking after your own physical and mental health.
How to take part. Each Family Learning Challenge is a mini themed project packed with fun activities ideas for you to explore together. And at the end, we'll set you a final family challenge that you can complete and submit to Children's University and to your school community online to share your amazing work.
If you are a member of Children's University, you can collect 2 credits for completing the final family challenge and submitting it to us. Log the activity on Aspire to claim your credits! (Search for 'Family Learning Challenge'.)
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Challenge of the Day #20 - Share the Love!
Do something special for someone in your home. What about doing an extra chore, make a cup of tea to let a parent relax, tidying up a room, helping to prepare a meal or doing the dishes.
We’d love to hear what you thought about this Challenge of the Day! If you’d like to share what you’ve been doing for Challenge of the Day with the Children’s University Scotland team, ask an adult to get in touch with us. You could share words, pictures, a video or a voice recording.
You can reach us by:
Email: contactus@childrensuniversity.scot
Twitter: Tag us @ChildrenUniScot and use the hashtag #ChallengeOfTheDay #CUS
Facebook: Tag us /ChildrensUniversityScotland and use the hashtag #ChallengeOfTheDay #CUS
Challenge of the Day #19 - Have Vision!
Look out of a window in your home and draw what you think your surroundings would have looked like 150 years ago. On the other half of the page, draw what you think your surroundings might look like in 150 years’ time.
Thanks to Mission: Explore John Muir for this idea.
We’d love to hear what you thought about this Challenge of the Day! If you’d like to share what you’ve been doing for Challenge of the Day with the Children’s University Scotland team, ask an adult to get in touch with us. You could share words, pictures, a video or a voice recording.
You can reach us by:
Email: contactus@childrensuniversity.scot
Twitter: Tag us @ChildrenUniScot and use the hashtag #ChallengeOfTheDay #CUS
Facebook: Tag us /ChildrensUniversityScotland and use the hashtag #ChallengeOfTheDay #CUS
Challenge of the Day #18 - The Tablecloth Trick!
Let’s try the tablecloth trick! Find a piece of material (as smooth as possible), set it on a table and put some heavy plastic (unbreakable!) items on top. When you’re ready, tug the cloth straight down from one side of the table in one quick movement as fast as you can. The objects should stay on the table. Do you know why this works? Before you try this, check with an adult that it’s okay for you to use the tableware!
We’d love to hear what you thought about this Challenge of the Day! If you’d like to share what you’ve been doing for Challenge of the Day with the Children’s University Scotland team, ask an adult to get in touch with us. You could share words, pictures, a video or a voice recording.
You can reach us by:
Email: contactus@childrensuniversity.scot
Twitter: Tag us @ChildrenUniScot and use the hashtag #ChallengeOfTheDay #CUS
Facebook: Tag us /ChildrensUniversityScotland and use the hashtag #ChallengeOfTheDay #CUS
Challenge of the Day #17 - Senses in a Picture!
Look at a picture or photo you find online, at home or even on your phone! Imagine you’re in the image. Describe everything that you experience being in the image that trigger the 5 senses. What can you see, hear, smell, touch and taste? As a final challenge, how will you get back home?
We’d love to hear what you thought about this Challenge of the Day! If you’d like to share what you’ve been doing for Challenge of the Day with the Children’s University Scotland team, ask an adult to get in touch with us. You could share words, pictures, a video or a voice recording.
You can reach us by:
Email: contactus@childrensuniversity.scot
Twitter: Tag us @ChildrenUniScot and use the hashtag #ChallengeOfTheDay #CUS
Facebook: Tag us /ChildrensUniversityScotland and use the hashtag #ChallengeOfTheDay #CUS
Challenge of the Day #16 - Saving the Day!
Are you a savvy saver or a big spender? What would you do if you won £100? Discover your money personality by trying this online interactive activity: https://bit.ly/3b4n7mx
We’d love to hear what you thought about this Challenge of the Day! If you’d like to share what you’ve been doing for Challenge of the Day with the Children’s University Scotland team, ask an adult to get in touch with us. You could share words, pictures, a video or a voice recording.
You can reach us by:
Email: contactus@childrensuniversity.scot
Twitter: Tag us @ChildrenUniScot and use the hashtag #ChallengeOfTheDay #CUS
Facebook: Tag us /ChildrensUniversityScotland and use the hashtag #ChallengeOfTheDay #CUS
Our series of fun Family Learning Challenges continues!
This week's theme is: Easter! Easter Sunday is on 12th April. Celebrate Easter at home with our fun family learning activities
How to take part. Each Family Learning Challenge is a mini themed project packed with fun activities ideas for you to explore together. And at the end, we'll set you a final family challenge that you can complete and submit to Children's University and to your school community online to share your amazing work.
If you are a member of Children's University, you can collect 2 credits for completing the final family challenge and submitting it to us. Log the activity on Aspire to claim your credits! (Search for 'Family Learning Challenge'.)
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Challenge of the Day #15 - Finger Spelling with British Sign Language
Learn the alphabet in British Sign Language, then try sending and receiving messages. Can you spell your name? Ask how someone’s doing and tell them how you are.
We’d love to hear what you thought of this Challenge of the Day! If you’d like to share what you’ve been doing for Challenge of the Day with the Children’s University Scotland team, ask an adult to get in touch with us. You could share words, pictures, a video or a voice recording.
You can reach us by:
Email: contactus@childrensuniversity.scot
Twitter: Tag us @ChildrenUniScot and use the hashtag #CUSChallenge
Facebook: Tag us /ChildrensUniversityScotland and use the hashtag #CUSChallenge
Psst…All families are welcome to use our Challenges of the Day, weekly Family Challenges and our free activity sheets! If you’re a CU Scotland member, don’t forget to head to www.CUS-Aspire.com where you can collect 1 CU credit for taking part in the Challenge of the Day.
Challenge of the Day #14 - Fantastic Plastic!
Make a decoration for your home from a used plastic bottle. Create your own design or get some inspiration online for decorative pieces, sculptures and structures. You can use additional materials if you have them at home, but the bottle should be the main element of your finished product.
We’d love to hear what you thought of this Challenge of the Day! If you’d like to share what you’ve been doing for Challenge of the Day with the Children’s University Scotland team, ask an adult to get in touch with us. You could share words, pictures, a video or a voice recording.
You can reach us by:
Email: contactus@childrensuniversity.scot
Twitter: Tag us @ChildrenUniScot and use the hashtag #CUSChallenge
Facebook: Tag us /ChildrensUniversityScotland and use the hashtag #CUSChallenge
Psst…All families are welcome to use our Challenges of the Day, weekly Family Challenges and our free activity sheets! If you’re a CU Scotland member, don’t forget to head to www.CUS-Aspire.com where you can collect 1 CU credit for taking part in the Challenge of the Day.
Challenge of the Day #13 - Record Breaker
Try to beat any of these three world records (the current record is in brackets):
We’d love to hear what you thought of this Challenge of the Day! If you’d like to share what you’ve been doing for Challenge of the Day with the Children’s University Scotland team, ask an adult to get in touch with us. You could share words, pictures, a video or a voice recording.
You can reach us by:
Email: contactus@childrensuniversity.scot
Twitter: Tag us @ChildrenUniScot and use the hashtag #CUSChallenge
Facebook: Tag us /ChildrensUniversityScotland and use the hashtag #CUSChallenge
Psst…All families are welcome to use our Challenges of the Day, weekly Family Challenges and our free activity sheets! If you’re a CU Scotland member, don’t forget to head to www.CUS-Aspire.com where you can collect 1 CU credit for taking part in the Challenge of the Day.
Challenge of the Day #12 - Design a Wig
Ready for today’s BIG challenge? For some old-school fashion advice, check out https://www.vam.ac.uk/designawig/ and design your very own wig, 19th Century style! If you want to continue the challenge, why not try making an extravagant hair accessory that you can wear in your next video call?
We’d love to hear what you thought of this Challenge of the Day! If you’d like to share what you’ve been doing for Challenge of the Day with the Children’s University Scotland team, ask an adult to get in touch with us. You could share words, pictures, a video or a voice recording.
You can reach us by:
Email: contactus@childrensuniversity.scot
Twitter: Tag us @ChildrenUniScot and use the hashtag #CUSChallenge
Facebook: Tag us /ChildrensUniversityScotland and use the hashtag #CUSChallenge
Psst…All families are welcome to use our Challenges of the Day, weekly Family Challenges and our free activity sheets! If you’re a CU Scotland member, don’t forget to head to www.CUS-Aspire.com where you can collect 1 CU credit for taking part in the Challenge of the Day.
Challenge of the Day #11 - Laser Maze
Use pieces of paper or string (separate pieces) and stick them across a hallway. These are lasers, protecting a special object! Now use your superhero (or super villain) skills to sneak through and reach the object on the other side without setting off your paper lasers. We’d love to hear what you thought of this Challenge of the Day! If you’d like to share what you’ve been doing for Challenge of the Day with the Children’s University Scotland team, ask an adult to get in touch with us. You could share words, pictures, a video or a voice recording.
You can reach us by:
Email: contactus@childrensuniversity.scot
Twitter: Tag us @ChildrenUniScot and use the hashtag #CUSChallenge
Facebook: Tag us /ChildrensUniversityScotland and use the hashtag #CUSChallenge
Psst…All families are welcome to use our Challenges of the Day, weekly Family Challenges and our free activity sheets! If you’re a CU Scotland member, don’t forget to head to www.CUS-Aspire.com where you can collect 1 CU credit for taking part in the Challenge of the Day.
Our series of fun Family Learning Challenges continues!
This week's theme is: Poetry Week! 21st March is World Poetry Day. Discover a love of poetry, rhythm and rhyme with our fab poetry themed activities!
How to take part. Each Family Learning Challenge is a mini themed project packed with fun activities ideas for you to explore together. And at the end, we'll set you a final family challenge that you can complete and submit to Children's University and to your school community online to share your amazing work.
If you are a member of Children's University, you can collect 2 credits for completing the final family challenge and submitting it to us. Log the activity on Aspire to claim your credits! (Search for 'Family Learning Challenge'.)
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Challenge of the Day #10 - Science in a Spin
Fancy trying something a bit different? Try making these cool paper spinners and see how science works in action, with this fun worksheet from our friends at Primary Science Teaching Trust (PSTT) and Science Sparks!
You will need:
Follow the instructions in the worksheet to make your spinner. You can download it by clicking this link: pstt.org.uk/application/files/7415/8577/0703/2._Spinner.pdf
How many of the questions below can you answer?
What happens when you let the spinner go? Can you slow the spinner down? How? What happens if you use different sorts of paper? Does tissue paper fall fast or slower than cardboard? What happens when you make the wings longer or shorter? What if you make a giant one? A tiny one?
There are two spinner designs to try on the sheet, one for indoors and one for outdoors. If you want to challenge yourself, try making both of them!
Read about the amazing science of the paper spinners on the worksheet. Can you learn it off by heart and teach it to someone else without looking at the sheet?
If you're a CU member in Scotland, you can claim 1 credit for completing this activity. Head to Aspire and search for 'Challenge of the Day' to claim your credit.
Challenge of the Day #9 - 20 Second Songs
We've all heard lots recently about how important it is to wash your hands. Did you know, it should take 15 - 30 seconds to wash your hands properly?
Write a 20-second song to sing or hum while you wash your hands, to help you have fun while you stay healthy. How can you make your handwashing anthem fun and memorable? Perhaps the lyrics will be all about why it's so important to wash your hands, or maybe they're totally silly and fun! Don't forget to set a timer while you practice your song to make sure it's 20 - 30 seconds long.
Why not teach it to others at home or friends or family living elsewhere through a phone call or video call?
Have you completed your masterpiece and feeling really proud? Why not record it and ask an adult at home to share the recording with CU Scotland? We'd love to hear it!
Check out this helpful poster made by the NHS, which shows how to wash your hands properly: www.nipcm.hps.scot.nhs.uk/appendices/appendix-1-best-practice-how-to-hand-wash/
If you're a CU member in Scotland, you can claim 1 credit for completing this activity. Head to Aspire and search for 'Challenge of the Day' to claim your credit
Challenge of the Day #8 - Triumph Through History
During the time of the ancient Roman Republic and Roman Empire (509BC - 476AD) a triumph was a huge celebration held in the ancient city of Rome to celebrate a great victory. There would be a parade through the city, music, plays and poetry recitals and religious ceremonies celebrating the success of Rome.
Recreate a mini Roman triumph parade at home! Play the role of a victorious Roman leader who wants to celebrate your success with your city's subjects. You could even make a toga and a Roman headdress!
Starting at the city gates (or your front door), plan a route through your home stopping by some famous ancient Roman sites. Perhaps you'll recite a poem about your victory at the Colosseum, pay tribute at the Pantheon temple, or address your subjects on the banks of the Tiber. You'll need to plan your route and decide which areas of your home represent the landmarks you will visit as part of your parade. Finish your triumph with a rousing victory speech at the Senate building. Get your family involved, maybe they want to perform songs, plays or poems too!
Want to learn more about the ancient civilisation of Rome? Check out these links to help you learn more at home!
www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/zwmpfg8/articles/z2sm6sg
www.historyforkids.net/ancient-rome.html
Many libraries offer access to ebooks and audiobooks from home. This link will help you find out if you can access these resources online: www.gov.uk/search-library-catalogue
If you're a CU member in Scotland, you can claim 1 credit for completing this activity. Head to Aspire and search for 'Challenge of the Day' to claim your credit.
Challenge of the Day #7 - A Message to Future You
We want you to write or draw a message to yourself in the future, and describe what your life is like now.
Write or draw something about what you did today and how you're feeling. How is life different now while we're spending more time indoors? Have you noticed anything that hasn't changed much, or found a different way to do something that helped things feel 'normal'?
Is there anything you're enjoying about spending more time at home? Are you finding something challenging or difficult?
If it brings up some difficult feelings, it might be helpful to talk to someone you trust about it.
Fold up your message in an envelope and store it somewhere safe. Then, set a reminder for yourself to open it in a year's time.
If you're a CU member in Scotland, you can claim 1 credit for completing this activity. Head to Aspire and search for 'Challenge of the Day' to claim your credit.
Challenge of the Day #6 - Host your own exercise class
Today's challenge is all about showing off your enterprise skills and staying active at home.
Have you been feeling inspired by Joe Wicks' online P.E. classes? We challenge you to plan your own exercise routine to do in your home or garden.
Step 1: Plan it Ask yourself these questions. You might want to write down your answers to help you plan:
Where will your class happen? How much space do you have? How many people might take part at home? Do you need to gather any equipment? How can you make sure objects in the room are safe from damage? How long will your class be?
Who will be taking part? Are you doing your class for yourself, or leading the class for other people at home (or even over video call for friends or family living somewhere else)? Do you or they have any special requirements (e.g. your friend who does Joe Wicks' workouts every day might be more confident trying the exercises than a friend who has never tried them before)? How can you make your class suitable and enjoyable for you and any others taking part?
How will you share it? Are you doing your class live from your home or garden? Maybe you'll livestream your workout by video call to a friend or family member? Write it down or draw it and send it? You could even record your voice, speaking the instructions for others to listen. Think about what works best for you and your audience.
Step 2: Design your class
Now, spend some time designing your exercise routine. Try to build in something that makes YOUR class unique. Maybe you wear a silly costume to make others laugh while they exercise, build in some moves from your dance, gymnastics or football club, or perform your routine as a made-up character.
Step 3: Share it
Share your amazingly unique class with your chosen audience however you like. Well done! Now you've planned, created and performed your very own exercise class. If you asked others to join in, why not ask them for some helpful feedback? Find out what they enjoyed most about your routine, and if they have any helpful suggestions.
If you're a CU member in Scotland, you can claim 1 credit for completing this activity. Head to Aspire and search for 'Challenge of the Day' to claim your credit.
Looking for fun activities to keep you busy while schools are closed? Look no further! Check out this week's Family Learning Challenge...
This week's theme is: Autism Awareness Week! Develop your understanding of what it means to live with autism. With our activities you will explore your own special interests and talents, and learn to appreciate what makes us all special and unique.
How to take part. Each Family Learning Challenge is a mini themed project packed with fun activities ideas for you to explore together. And at the end, we'll set you a final family challenge that you can complete and submit to Children's University and to your school community online to share your amazing work.
If you are a member of Children's University, you can collect 2 credits for completing the final family challenge and submitting it to us. Log the activity on Aspire to claim your credits! (Search for 'Family Learning Challenge'.)
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Challenge of the Day #5 - Feed the Birds
Today's challenge is about bringing nature to your windows so that you can enjoy the outdoors from indoors.
Design a bird feeder that is suitable for the area where you live. Sounds easy? Well, there's plenty to consider, including the types of birds in the area, the food they need, how high and how far they fly, how far from the ground they eat, and even if you need to keep the feeder away from other predators. Draw and label your design showing the materials you need to build it and the food you would add to bring nature close to your home. Keep a copy in case your teacher asks to see your design.
If you'd like to take things further, why not try to build your bird feeder over the weekend as a bigger project?
If you're a CU member in Scotland, you can claim 1 credit for completing this activity. Head to Aspire and search for 'Challenge of the Day' to claim your credit.
Challenge of the Day #4 - The Relaxation Zone
Sharing a home with other people isn’t always easy. Different people need different amounts of time and space to be alone in order to stay healthy. Talk with people in your home about when and why you all might benefit from time out from each other even though you may all be at home. Agree on a plan so that people in your home try to respect each other’s need for space and quiet time as much as possible. If it’s helpful, you could prepare a comfy chillout zone or make a sign to put up when you need some space. If your first set of ideas don’t work the way you expected, it’s ok to talk about them some more or change things round. This is a great way for us to support each other to stay healthy and happy.
If you're a CU member in Scotland, you can claim 1 credit for completing this activity. Head to Aspire and search for 'Challenge of the Day' to claim your credit.
Challenge of the Day #3 - National Intergenerational Week
Although you may not have heard about it, this week is National Intergenerational Week, and encourages people from different generations to interact and inspire each other. We can’t talk in person with friends and neighbours right now, but it’s still a great opportunity for young and old to find new ways to connect with each other. If you know an older person who may enjoy some social contact, send them a message! If they use technology, write a text or email to say hi. You could write a postcard and take a photo to send as an email attachment. If you have a neighbour or older friend across the street, why not create a poster or window display to bring a smile while continuing with social distancing. Of course, encourage them to write back if they can! It's a tough challenge, but a great way for communities to stick together.
If you can think of an even more inventive way to stay in contact with people, please let us know! We'd love to share your ideas with others and you may even help other communities to stay connected in this unusual situation.
If you're a CU member in Scotland, you can claim 1 credit for completing this activity. Head to Aspire and search for 'Challenge of the Day' to claim your credit.
Missed any CU Scotland challenges of the day? Don't worry! We'll keep adding to the full list on this page.
To see the past challenges, just scroll down 
Challenge of the Day #2 - Shadow Puppet Show
Ever made a rabbit or butterfly shadow with your hands? Great! How about taking your art a step further? Create a setting or stage for a spectacular shadow puppet production to entertain others at home or just yourself. You could draw or sculpt patterns, design a landscape or make a set on the floor or wall for an amazing backdrop for your scene. Experiment with shapes and gestures to make your shadow puppets move around the stage. If you run out of natural light from outside you can always use a lamp or torch to continue your performance. Perhaps the changing light is part of the story…
If you're a CU member in Scotland, you can claim 1 credit for completing this activity. Head to Aspire and search for 'Challenge of the Day' to claim your credit.
Challenge of the Day #1 - Every Drop Counts
Today’s theme is: World Meteorological Day!
World Meteorological Day is a day to think about issues relating to water and natural resources. Water is a precious resource: every drop counts! The UN says that the minimum amount of water a person needs every day is 4 litres. But how much water do we actually use in a normal day?
Your challenge is to measure ALL the water you use in a single day (tip: including drinks, washing hands, preparing food, brushing teeth, doing laundry etc.). Before you start, how much water do you think you’ll use? After 24 hours, work out the total amount of water used. How does it compare with your estimate? Finally, what can you do at home to make sure water isn't wasted?
If you're a CU member in Scotland, you can claim 1 credit for completing this activity. Head to Aspire and search for 'Challenge of the Day' to claim your credit.
Don't forget to share your completed challenges with our online community! This will keep us all connected and help others to be inspired by the challenges you have completed at home.
You can submit your challenge entry in the following ways. Make sure you ask an adult for help, and please include your name and age if you are happy to do so.
1. By email: Send your work to contactus@childrensuniversity.scot
Email us
2. By Twitter: Tag us @ChildrenUniScot, and tag your school's twitter account. Use the hashtags #ChallengeOfTheDay and #CUS
Tweet us
3. By Facebook: Tag us /ChildrensUniversityScotland and use the hashtag #ChallengeOfTheDay
Facebook message us