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

The place to be with fun, adventure, animals, gardens, play and activities on the banks of the picturesque River Thames
Venue Type: 
Zoos / Wildlife Parks
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Space, fresh air, tranquility, fun, adventure, enchanting animals, exotic beauty and all this on the banks of the magical Thames. New Bertie's Bugs and Beasts exhibit!

Popular favourites include: Ring-tailed lemurs, wallabies, meerkats, raccoons, prairie dogs, yellow mongoose, river hogs, monkeys, goats and numerous small mammals in their Pet's Corner. Plus the new Bertie's Bugs and Beasts exhibit, with all things creepy and crawley!

Venue Type: 
Parks and Gardens
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A lush, sub-tropical-style, oasis perched on a peninsula at the edge of Loch Ewe amid the rugged landscape of Wester Ross, this world-famous historic garden is one of Scotland's most popular botanical attractions.

School visits are welcome by prior arrangement.

Venue Type: 
Parks and Gardens
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Abbey Park lies approximately one mile north of the City centre. The River Soar divides this beautiful park into two distinct areas: to the east of the river lies the highly decorative Victorian part of the park with its evergreen shrubberies, trees, lakes and formally planted flower displays.

Enjoy exploring a Chinese garden, historical ruins, canals and boating lakes. Abbey Park is also home to fun fairs and festivals. A tearoom is also open for refreshments.

Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
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Staffa is the stuff of legend - an unspoilt and uninhabited island best known for its magnificent basalt columns and spectacular sea caves. The most famous of these is Fingal's Cave, also known as An Uamh Binn (Cave of Melody). It has a unique, cathedral-like structure and its hexagonal columns are similar to those of the Giant's Causeway in Ireland.

Ranger-led activities to meet curriculum requirements can be organised by arrangement.

Venue Type: 
Historic Buildings & Monuments
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We look forward to welcoming you in the spring when the garden comes to life again. The woodland walks are lovely at this time of year and on a clear day the views over the Cheshire Plain are great. And there really are hares!

Venue Type: 
Parks and Gardens
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A registered common, the last fragment of a much larger area of open land that existed some hundreds of years ago.

Once an area of heathland, the Common has developed into an area of oak and birch woodland. However, remnants of the old heathland character remain, particularly on and close to the railway embankments. These areas provide a valuable habitat for plants like ling heather, gorse and heath bedstraw as well as refuge for reptiles such as the common lizard and adder.

A superb Cotswold landscape of mixed woodland and open grassland with extensive views
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
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Occupying a prominent position on three spurs on the Cotswold escarpment, there are views across the Severn estuary towards the Forest of Dean and Brecon Beacons. With its dramatic topography, intimate woodlands, extensive grasslands and exposed and wild promontory hill fort the estate offers a variety of contrasting experiences.

The Cotswold Way National Trail runs through the entire estate and there are miles of tracks, so whether you enjoy walking, horse riding or mountain biking, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Venue Type: 
Maritime / Sea Life
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Galway Atlantaquaria, National Aquarium of Ireland, seeks to present a comprehensive view of the world of water through clear and interesting displays, informed helpful staff and exciting live presentations and animal interaction sessions.

Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
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Discover the rainforest's wonders as you stroll between tropical trees and plants, among free roaming butterflies and birds. An outdoor play area allows kids to let off steam, while adults can relax on the sun terrace with a cappuccino. All weather attraction with on site parking, cafe and shop.

On your visit, look out for free roaming lizards, birds and butterflies, you never know where they will appear next! See some of the world's most popular foods, from bananas to coffee, cocoa and ginger as well as plants that have changed the way we live today.

Venue Type: 
Parks and Gardens
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Cole End Park is one of four of North Warwickshire's green spaces dedicated as Local Nature Reserves.

Cole End Park LNR is situated within the larger Cole End Park, to the south of the River which runs through the park.

In the 1800s there was a mill and a ford on the River Cole. The mill was demolished in 1940/50's and the mill pond was filled in later. The River Cole originally ran at the side of Lichfield Road but was diverted when the A446 was made into a dual carriageway before the war forming a triangular piece of land which has become the park.

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