Science

Science

The teaching and learning of science can take many forms due to the large number of branches of the discipline, but all of them involve a large element of  doing things, of experimenting, of making and breaking, of trying out new ideas, whether at primary or secondary level. This has been appreciated by museums and visitors centres, so that we now have a plethora of possibilities.

The Association for Science Education is the lead body helping schools to develop their teaching and learning. It offers support for primary and secondary science subject leaders, teachers and schools, and keeps schools abreast of curriculum and assessment changes and reforms. The Association aims to enrich science teaching and learning with free resources, which can be found at: www.schoolscience.co.uk

Some venues are obviously specifically suitable for science groups, but others, which are more cross-curricular, are less obvious. Below we give staff a pointer to these as well as making it easy to access the websites of the well known attractions.

CERN, the European Organisation for Nuclear Research, has long been popular with British school groups. It is celebrating 60 years this year and is encouraging teachers to look at its Cern Education website.

CAT, the Centre for Alternative Technology in Machynlleth, is also celebrating a major birthday this year – its 40th. It is a very different experience from CERN, but fascinating nonetheless.

We should draw your attention to the fact that farm visits are popular with primary schools and there is a growing number of farms offering excellent opportunities – from feeding animals to driving tanks. But there are some stringent health and safety rules to be observed. For advice and guidance please contact Handsam by calling 0844 335 1737 or emailing info@schooltripsadvisor.org.uk.

 

Main organisations:

British Science Association

Association for Science Education

CLEAPSS

Membership through Handsam

Radiation Protection Officer services through Handsam

Science Learning Centres

National STEM Centre

Inclusion: NASEN

 

Thought of visiting?

The Science Museum

Natural History Museum

National Space Museum

Centre for Alternative Technology

Cern Education website

ThinkTank, Birmingham

Michael Faraday Museum, London

National Conservation Centre, Liverpool

Museum of Science and Industry, Manchester

Techniquest (various locations in Wales including Cardiff, Wrexham and Pembrokeshire)

The Wellcome Collection, London

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

Earth Centres

 

For a complete list of venues and providers who deliver specialist courses and activities for this subject see below

Venue Type: 
Farms
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A variety of interesting farm zoo animals which originate from across the world including camels, adventure playground, plus let the kids pick their own fruits and vegetables.

We have a large variety of farm zoo animals which originate from across the world and graze all year round at Millets for families to enjoy watching and learning about. These include ponies, pygmy goats, kune kunes, sheep, cattle and domesticated camels! A lakeside pergola allows wild fowl including swans to be fed and watched safely.

Winner of the “Farm Park of the Year 2013” by the National Farm Attractions Network.
Venue Type: 
Farms
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Meet plenty of furry friends, enjoy Animal Activities and Demonstrations and discover the Giant Indoor Playbarn! Guaranteed to give you the Ahhhh factor, there's stacks of animal fun and indoor play at Odds Farm Park.

In addition, the daily activity programme is jam packed with animal activities and demonstrations: Piggies Tea Time, Cow Milking, Meet The Animals, Sheep Racing, Bottle Feeding Kid Goats and Lambs, Egg Collecting and more throughout the year.

Venue Type: 
Farms
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Newham City Farm is one of London's longest established, as well as one of its largest city farms.

They are home to an extensive range of farmyard favourites and rare breeds – from a huge Shire Horse to tiny birds as well as cows, sheep, alpacas, goats, chickens, rabbits, fish, a peacock and even a harris hawk.

Venue Type: 
Themed Attractions
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An enchanting and magical world that is based on the Chronicles of Wizard’s Thatch. Home to a School of Magic, an alley full of magical shops, plus a number of other exciting streets and alleys to explore.

There is a beautiful open air swimming pool, which is solar heated and open daily between May and September, an Enchanted Manor with a secret passage to the Golden Broomstick Tavern, which is said to be haunted by a ghost!

Venue Type: 
Farms
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Milk a cow by hand; take part in their Animal Feeding Tour; watch the machine milking; Visit Mini Farm World, Pets' Corner and the Play Area; follow the Farm Trail; take a trailer ride around the farm; and admire the panoramic views across four counties!

Walk the trail, admire the spectacular views across four counties, see the benefit to the environment of organic farming, and on dry days take a trailer ride around the farm.

Venue Type: 
Parks and Gardens
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A lovely park that is free to visit and has plenty to keep everyone amused, including children’s play area, skate park, a bandstand, boat trips on the river, and water play fountains!

The setting includes a natural terrace with excellent views over the river Avon from the higher levels. There are plenty of open grassy areas, a lily pool, and lots of lovely trees and plants to enjoy. The park also has plenty of seating and picnic benches to use, plus a variety of artwork to appreciate, and historic features that include a bell tower and clarion.

Venue Type: 
Parks and Gardens
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Glenariff Forest Park is one of the 9 Antrim Glens, and has over 1,000 hectares to explore, half of which is full of trees, the other a mix of small lakes, open spaces, lakes and waterfalls. Several trails to follow, including the Waterfall Walkway. 

There are a number of other trails, which will give you great views and chances to see wildlife such as the hen harrier, Irish hare, and red squirrel. The trails vary in length from the Viewpoint Trail, which is about half a mile (0.8km) long, to the Scenic Trail, which is 5.5miles (8.8km) and offers amazing views to enjoy.

Venue Type: 
Museums
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The Look Out Discovery Centre has over 90 exhibits suitable for children of all ages. Toddlers and younger children love the indoor stream, mini supermarket and soft play area. Older children through to adults will be fascinated by the hands-on science exhibits and puzzles.

Venue Type: 
Farms
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The healthy working Pink Pig Farm welcomes families for the full farm to fork experience (if you can handle it that candidly!) with happy animals to visit both in the paddocks and the Charcuterie!

The indoor Play Barn features oodles of soft play facilities, giant lego plus play kitchens, excellent for keeping damp smalls busy tip the rain clears up!

Venue Type: 
Farms
Overall Rating: 
0

Deen City Farm is a unique, educational resource in SW London, open free of charge.

Our aim is to give people the opportunity to learn from their visit and contribution to a Working Farm.

The Farm is based on National Trust land (part of the Morden Hall Park Estate) and you can reach the Farm after a pleasant stroll from Morden across Morden Hall Park.

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