Situated in gently rolling hills overlooking Kinghorn Loch in Fife, Craigencalt Ecology Centre was established in 1998 to give people a direct experience of the natural environment.
Science
Science
What is it?
The word science comes from the Latin term "scientia" meaning knowledge, which reasonably accurately sums up what it's all about; the modern definition of scientific practice is the organisation and understanding of knowledge to form reasonable explanations about the universe.
What does it involve?
Science can be applied to almost anything in the world, so involves a great variety of things! In general, science concerns itself with understand the way things work, and how they came to be in the first place. Learning about science often includes experiments and demonstrations that help you to understand the ideas that are being presented to you e.g. putting dirty pennies into an acidic solution to demonstrate the chemical reaction between the acid and the copper of the pennies.
Why do it and what are the benefits?
Having an understanding of science has many benefits! It encourages students to be curious about the world around them, and develops patience, communication and perseverance. Scientific study is also good for encouraging students to form their own opinions about things after thorough research instead of taking things at face value; it's great for sparking off independent thought.
What equipment do we need?
Equipment needs will depend entirely on the activity! Chemistry will require a fair bit of apparatus, but science is by no means limited to classroom chemical reactions. Simple activities such as going outside and learning about the flowers and insects is science, and requires no equipment at all! If you are unsure what you may need to provide for any given trip, contact the venue ahead of time and make enquiries!
Who is it suitable for?
Science is a great activity for those of all ages! The sheer variety of subjects that can include science guarantees that everybody will be interested somehow, and the complexity of the information can be adjusted for different age groups' level of understanding.
Costs?
This will depend entirely on the type of activity. Some venues may have free access to their facilities but charge for time spent with an instructor, and others may charge you one entry fee and then free access to everything available inside. You will need to check out what sort of things are available in your area to get an idea of what costs will apply to what activities.
Issues/Things to think about? (unsuitable for age groups, medical conditions etc)
If the activity involves chemicals or similar substances, you must exercise extreme caution with young children! If you are not confident in the safety of your students then you may wish to adjust the activity or increase the supervision!
How do we include?
The easiness of including those with disabilities will heavily depend on the type of activity - the best thing to do would be to consult the venue ahead of time with the details of your students and see what their set up is.
Doing it abroad?
Science is present all over the world! There are likely to be fun scientific activities wherever you go, especially if a venue caters for school groups - do some research ahead of time to see what's available at your destination.
Main website:
Check out specific venue websites for activity information.
Venues with this Activity
The Earthship is a demonstration eco house. It is run as a visitor centre and is open throughout the year for both drop in visitors and booked tours.
Becketts have been farming in Wythall - just south of Birmingham - for 77 years and our mission is to bring both fresh food and farming closer to the people.
Our business has evolved over time and now comprises an award-winning Farm Shop, a large family restaurant, conference and meeting facilities, and a cookery school.
Thinktank is....
Everything you thought you knew about the world - but didn't! Find out about your world and yourself in our ten themed, hands-on galleries. Surprising! Hard to believe! And sometimes downright disgusting!! The perfect day out.
Colourful floral displays from spring to autumn!
Flower-filled park containing a sensory garden, an exotic glasshouse, a lake with ducks and swans, and a boating pond. There is also a nearby ship-themed adventure play area (see full details for information).
Things to enjoy
The Parkridge Centre is in a great location in the heart of Brueton Park, Solihull. It is an ideal location for younger children to explore their local area and experience the wonderful nature and wildlife that our area has to offer.
Whether you come to unwind or have fun, there's plenty for all at Draycote Water. Activities range from birdwatching and game fishing to walking and water sports. Dogs are only allowed in the Country Park.
Thomas Newcomen (1664-1729) designed and installed the first practical and successful steam engine, used initially for pumping water out of coal mines. Over 2,000 Newcomen engines were installed world-wide during the 18th and 19th centuries, over 600 of them before 1775 when James Watt was able to improve their efficiency.
War Memorial Park is Coventry's premier park and attracts around 400,000 visitors from all over the city and further beyond every year. Many come to enjoy a casual visit, while others come to take part in some of the many special events that take place throughout the year.
Crazy golf, children's play area, 18 hole golf course, and plenty of open space and garden walks: all recently refurbished and well maintained.
The refurbished play area has a wide range of play equipment to offer a variety of physical and interactive challenges for all ages.
Garden Organic Ryton is the home of Garden Organic, the UK’s leading organic growing and lifestyle charity which is dedicated to researching and promoting organic gardening, farming and food. We currently have a membership of 32,000 people across the UK and further afield together with two other gardens in Kent and Essex.
A unique aeronautical collection
Midland Air Museum's exhibits range from the magnificent Avro Vulcan bomber through more than 30 other historic aircraft, both civil and military, aero engines and other artefacts, to a wide range of memorabilia.
Kid-sized railway for a pleasing jaunt up and down the line, open most weekends.
The Railway is open Most Weekends for rides up and down the line.
Catering and shop facilities are available in Kidderminster Railway Museum and Severn Valley Station.
A narrow gauge steam railway based at Evesham Country Park running regular passenger trains every weekend and main school holidays throughout the year.
Trains are usually steam hauled and travel for over a mile through the old apple orchards and around the country park, stopping briefly at Evesham Vale Station.
Standard Gauge Heritage Railway set in Chasewater country park, 4 mile round trip with steam and diesel engines and vintage carriages. Accredited Museum, Model Railway, also a narrow gauge miner's-style line, tea room and Sunday Carvery, gift shops. We are a Volunteer run charity.
A pretty reserve set within a secluded river valley, with flower rich grassland and ancient woodland. Plenty of nature for the kids to enjoy, from butterflies and bees, to bare ground and boggy bits!
Stroll along a magical stream and listen to the soothing sound of water as you look out for the many birds and wildflowers that can be found here.
In the Roald Dahl children's gallery you can boggle your eyes and baffle your brain and let your imagination run wild!
South Park occupies 50 acres of open space, with magnificent views overlooking Oxford.
What can I do there?
A classic series of collections housed in stunning architecture. Among its most famous features are the Oxfordshire dinosaurs, the dodo, and the swifts in the tower.
Award winning, historically informative and hugely entertaining, it's the perfect way to soak up the atmosphere of this famous city, leaving you with a deliciously scary tingle running down your spine.
An ancient site of incarceration (since 1071) offering a highly atmospheric history lesson spanning ten centuries, with hands on displays and real life prisoner stories. Quirky costumed tour guides are available every 20 minutes.
The old buildings have been preserved and are now open to the public revealing a time capsule: allowing the buildings to tell their captivating story.
Try the working period telephones and switchboards. Visit the Victorian Parlour and Schoolroom. Listen to an air raid in the Museum's Anderson Shelter. Make toast in the period kitchen. Visit the street of period shops. Visit the Hall of Transport.
The Falkirk Wheel is one of Scotland's top tourist destinations and attracts visitors from all across the World.
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