Try these practical ideas to help you enjoy and understand Auchtavan.

Languages

• Create stories and characters depicting life in Auchtavan in the 19th century.
• Explore the place names of the local area and research their origins.
• Research the tales and legends of the surrounding area and what they tell us about life around Auchtavan.

Mathematics

• Measure the remains of the buildings and draw scale plans of the site.
• Research meteorological records and construct diagrams to illustrate temperature and rainfall throughout the year.
• Devise methods of estimating distances to and heights of nearby hilltops.
• Calculate the areas covered by fields on adjacent farms.
• Research and graph changes in the local population over the years.

Social Subjects

• Create a scale map of the local area.
• Explore the soil types and climate of the area and suggest appropriate agricultural use.
• Research the social structures of those living at Auchtavan in the 18th and 19th centuries.
• Research the impact of the Jacobite rebellions on the local area.
• Research the impact of the Highland Clearances on the local area.
• Research the development and impact of the modern estates on life in the local area.
• Research the transport systems of the area.

Science

• Set up and use a weather station at the site to monitor conditions over a period of time.
• Map out readings of soil temperature, pH and water content.
• Research the plant, insect, animal and bird life in the area.

Technologies

• Explore the construction of the main building.
• Create a three-dimensional scale model of the site.
• Explore the engineering and operation of the horse mill.

Expressive Arts

• Create a picture, story or play depicting life at Auctavan.
• Photograph the area and create a montage.
• Create a virtual tour of the site using video, music and commentary.
• Research the music and songs of the area.

Health & Wellbeing

• Research the diets of people living at Auchtavan in the 19th century.
• Research and try to recreate cooking methods and typical meals from the 19th century.
• Research the energy needed by people to live and travel in the area in the 19th century.

Religious and Moral Education

• Research the development of religious worship in the area.
• Explore local churches.
• Explore local graveyards and trace local family groups.