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

Unspoilt golden, sandy beaches, estuary and sandy grassland surprisingly close to Newquay
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
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For its sheer diversity of landscape, this relatively small stretch of Cornwall's north coast is hard to beat. Only a stone's throw from the popular seaside resort of Newquay, Holywell to Crantock offers you a haven of beaches, common land and coastline to explore.

Exposed rocky headlands sit alongside spectacular sandy beaches, perfect for surfing or making sandcastles.

Discover the hidden gem that is Porth Joke, a small cove that remains untouched by commercialism.

Romantic and tranquil landscape of islands, woodland and historical ruins
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
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Located on the shores of Upper Lough Erne, Crom is one of the most romantic and peaceful places in Northern Ireland. This 2,000 acre demesne is surrounded by tranquil islands and ancient woodlands.

One of Ireland's most important conservation areas, Crom is home to a wealth of wildlife. Discover it whether you are fishing, woodland walking, butterfly spotting or bird watching.

At Crom you can experience the surroundings from a unique perspective when you hire one of our boats. Leave the road behind, a whole new world awaits you.

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
Overall Rating: 
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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
Overall Rating: 
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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
Overall Rating: 
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The Greenway is a high quality surfaced path suitable for cyclists, walkers and wheelchair users which runs from Stratford-upon-Avon to Long Marston. It is part of the National Cycle Network, forming a five mile section of the West Midlands Cycle Route, which links Oxford to Derby via Birmingham. It follows the course of the old Honeybourne railway line.

Venue Type: 
Historic Buildings & Monuments
Overall Rating: 
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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
Overall Rating: 
0

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
Overall Rating: 
0

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
Overall Rating: 
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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
Overall Rating: 
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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.

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