Welcome to the free Beyond the Panda online learning resources exploring China and giant pandas.
The first three sections below - Project History, Planning for Pandas and Meet the Panda Team provide background to the China/UK Giant Panda Programme along with lesson plans and ideas.
Sections - Panda Pass It On and Free Resources provide Mandarin language and science related worksheets and games.
To access the Premium Resources, book the China Mobile Library - details in the Beyond the Panda brochure.
In January 2011, a historic agreement was signed between the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) and the China Wildlife Conservation Association (CWCA) for the loan of two giant pandas to Edinburgh Zoo.
Early Level: Reading, Writing, Literacy and Talking
I enjoy exploring and playing with the patterns and sounds of language, and can use what I learn.
LIT 0-01a / LIT 0-11a / LIT 0-20a
I use signs, books or other texts to find useful or interesting information and I use this to plan, make choices or learn new things.
LIT 0-14a
First Level: Reading, Listening and Talking
As I listen or watch, I am learning to make notes under given headings and use these to understand what I have listened to or watched and create new texts.
LIT 1-05a
I am learning to make notes under given headings and use them to understand information, explore ideas and problems and create new texts.
LIT 1-15a
Second Level: Reading, Finding and using Information
I can make notes, organise them under suitable headings and use them to understand appropriate information, develop my thinking, explore problems and create new texts, using my own words as appropriate.
LIT 2-15a
Third Level: Reading, Understanding, analysing and evaluating
To help me develop an informed view, I am exploring the techniques used to influence my opinion. I can recognise persuasion and assess the reliability of information, and credibility and value of my sources.
LIT 3-18a
Early Level: Craft and Design Contexts for Developing Technological Skills
Within real and imaginary settings, I am developing my practical skills as I select and work with a range of materials, tools and software.
TCH 0-12a
Through discovery, natural curiosity and imagination, I explore ways to construct models or solve problems.
TCH 0-14a
First Level: Craft and Design Contexts for Developing Technological Skills
During practical activities and design challenges, I can estimate and measure using appropriate instruments and units.
TCH 1-13a
Through discovery and imagination, I can develop and use problem-solving strategies to construct models.
TCH 1-14a
Having evaluated my work, I can adapt and improve, where appropriate, through trial and error or by using feedback.
TCH 1-14b
Second Level: Craft and Design Contexts for Developing Technological Skills
During practical activities and design challenges, I can estimate and measure using appropriate instruments and units.
TCH 2-13a
Through discovery and imagination, I can develop and use problem-solving strategies to construct models.
TCH 2-14a
Having evaluated my work, I can adapt and improve, where appropriate, through trial and error or by using feedback.
TCH 2-14b
Click/Hover over the members of the team below to find out more about them.
Simon Girling is Head of Veterinary Services to RZSS. His work involves overseeing the health of all the animals at Edinburgh Zoo and the Highland Wildlife Park - including the Giant Pandas.
Darren McGarry is Head of Living Collections at Edinburgh Zoo. He is responsible for all species kept in the collection at the zoo including husbandry and health management, nutrition and veterinary services.
Alison Maclean is Head Panda Keeper at Edinburgh Zoo. She looked after captive bears for 25 years before Tian Tian and Yang Guang arrived and has looked after them since their arrival in December 2011.
Health and Wellbeing - Early Level
I can describe some of the kinds of work that people do and I am finding out about the wider world of work. HWB 0-20a
Health and Wellbeing - First Level
I can describe some of the kinds of work that people do and I am finding out about the wider world of work. HWB 1-20a
Social Studies - Second Level
I can discuss the environmental impact of human activity and suggest ways in which we can live in a more environmentally-responsibly way.
SOC 2-08a
The Beyond the Panda outreach resources focus on learning through fun, interactive activities, games and puzzles. See the full range available in the Beyond the Panda brochure. As an introduction, try our fun 'Panda Pass It On' game which has been sent on a trip across Scotland. You may be passed a hard copy version but if not, you can download a copy.
We are also trying to track the locations where the game is played and all we need is a first name and location entered here.
HELP US TRACK THE GAME - Please help us with this exciting and fun project. Let's see how many people can play our panda game! If you play, please enter your name and location on this form so we can map where the game has been. Just a first name and nearest town will do, we do not need to identify you. Thank you.
You can also pass the game onto your colleagues and friends.
Many thanks for your participation.
Please note: some of these resources (such as the games) will ask you to create a free account in order to access them.
Sometimes when you only know one or two Chinese characters you can work out the meaning of complete words and phrases.
A worksheet using translations for the threats - climate change, pollution, over-hunting and habitat loss.
Learn colours in Mandarin with our giant panda colouring worksheets.
Learn numbers in Mandarin with our giant panda worksheets.
Match characters with our Fun Fact worksheets.
A version of the popular memory card game using Chinese stamps - sometimes known as pairs, concentration or pelmanism.
Some worksheets designed in partnership with the Confucius Institute for Scotland's Schools.
Beyond the Panda offers a range of cross curricular premium lessons, physical teaching materials and online resources across all school age groups. See the Beyond the Panda brochure to find out more.
If you book the China Mobile Library (loan of panda box followed by expert visit) you will gain access to the associated premium materials, please make sure you are logged in to view the pages below.
If you book the Chinese outreach sessions you will gain access to the associated premium materials, please make sure you are logged in to view the pages below.
If you purchase the Secondary Endangered Species game you will gain access to the associated premium materials, please make sure you are logged in to view the pages below.
If you purchase the Secondary S1/S2 pack you will gain access to the associated premium materials, please make sure you are logged in to view the pages below.
To book any of the above contact Sandie Robb at srobb@rzss.org.uk or 07963 070654.
