Fit Cheetahs for Schools
Education is important. As a science communicator and mother of two, I have always been interested in finding different ways to promote learning whilst trying to ensure that it is interesting and fun. And as a scientist, it is important to me to communicate my research, raise awareness of the plight of the cheetah and promote science in general.
Explaining the Footprint Identification Technique to a keen volunteer. Photo courtesy of Pinner Photography .
I offer the following services:
Talks in Schools
I hold talks about cheetah conservation and the ‘Fit Cheetahs’ research project in both primary and high schools. Typical topics I cover are ‘What is conservation?’, ‘What problems do cheetahs face?’, ‘Cheetah Biology’, ‘Footprint Identification Technique’ and ‘Cheetah Genetics’. I also offer a careers talk.
I can tailor the talk to any age group and topic area. You tell me what you would like covered and I will create a talk tailored to your class’ needs. These talks can be held in English or German.
It is important to me that every school has the opportunity to learn about my cheetah conservation research. I therefore ask for a donation rather than a set fee. For schools that are further afield (i.e. outwith Edinburgh and Fife) I ask for travel expenses to be covered as well.
Artwork inspired by Fit Cheetahs talk at Benarty PS, Fife. Flyer design by pupil at Aberdour PS, Fife.
Cheetah Paw Cast Painting Workshop
This workshop is made up of a talk, similar to the above, and a painting session, where the students can decorate a paw cast themselves. This combination of science and art leads to the students retaining more information as more senses are activated during learning. The students can explore the paw pads on the cast through sight and touch while I talk about my research and explain what I look for in a paw print.
Cheetah research talk and paw cast painting workshop at Allemann Fun German Saturday School, Edinburgh, UK.
Webinars
I also offer video calls or webinars on cheetah conservation in general, my research in particular and life as a Conservation Biologist, which can be followed by a Q&A. This is a unique opportunity for primary and secondary schools to have direct contact with a researcher and find out more about cheetah conservation research.
If you have any further questions or wish to book a school’s visit or webinar, please contact me directly at larissa@fitcheetahs.com for more information.
I have worked in science communication for many years, delivering and leading science workshops to hundreds of children of all ages for the Edinburgh International Science Festival in Edinburgh and Abu Dhabi. In addition, I held FIT sessions for wildlife volunteers and National Geographic students in Namibia and also hold talks about my Fit Cheetahs research to students in schools and colleges.
I also work for Hands on Science, a company that delivers STEM workshops and challenges for schools. We recently developed a Biodiversity workshop together, which also features my research. Pupils learn about the importance of biodiversity and food webs in the UK, diversity within the cat family, the meaning and importance of genetic diversity and even get to make a cheetah paw cast. Hands on Science gives a donation to Fit Cheetahs every time one of these workshops is held in a school.
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Explaining cheetah footprints Making cheetah paw casts during Biodiversity workshop Hands-on science at the Edinburgh International Science Festival
