Join us for a fun-filled family day where maths meets minibeasts!

Join us for a fun-filled family day where maths meets minibeasts! At Creepy Crawly Calculations, children and families will discover how numbers, shapes, and patterns are all around us in the natural world—while meeting some incredible insects up close.

What’s Happening?

  • Interactive Bug Sessions – Meet fascinating minibeasts like giant millipedes and stick insects with local experts Jacqui and Kev from Brilliant Beasties. Learn about their anatomy, behaviour, and why they’re vital for our planet.

  • Outdoor Maths Adventure – Explore the museum gardens with special insect investigation activity sheets. Count legs and wings, spot symmetry, record habitats, and discover the maths hidden in nature. Equipped with magnifying glasses and bug-hunting kits, families will uncover the tiny details that make a big difference.

  • Creative Reflections – Back indoors, explore the symmetry of moths and butterflies before getting crafty! Make your own “shape insects” or build a bug hotel to support wildlife at home—all while exploring the maths in everyday life.

Along the way, you’ll learn why protecting insects is so important for our environment and how maths can help us understand the living world.

Perfect for families, curious kids, and anyone who loves both numbers and nature!

Creepy Crawly Calculations is part of and supported by Maths Week Scotland.

Tickets are free, but spaces are limited. If you are unable to attend after booking, please notify NMMS as soon as possible so another family can enjoy the opportunity.

This listing is supplied by one of our museum partners and is not moderated by Art Fund.

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National Mining Museum Scotland

National Mining Museum Scotland, Lady Victoria Colliery, Newtongrange, Midlothian, EH22 4QN
01316637519

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We're open 7 days a week, 10am - 5pm.

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