National Mining Museum, Newtongrange27th Sep10.30am-2.30pmFree
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!
Time
There will be two identical sessions, 10.30am – 12noon and 1pm – 2.30pm. Free but booking required. Spaces can be booked via the museum website, see link below.
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.**
We have enjoyed seeing what everyone got up to for Maths Week Scotland this year, in particular the different ways everyone was inspired by this year's theme of 'Wild Maths'. We've picked out a few highlights to share.
For Scottish Museums Day (3 October) we’ve rounded up some of our favourite activities from museums from across the country, from this year's Maths Week Scotland.
