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: 
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.

Get the wildlife 'wow' on the Essex Coast
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
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Under leaden skies with a face full of wind there's nowhere like Copt Hall for refreshing the mind and blowing away the cobwebs.

As a working farm, our work at Copt Hall balanced arable crop production and access with coastal nature conservation. Our work ranges from creating nectar-rich field margins for insects and adders to the maintenance of wet grassland for waders and wildfowl.

Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
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One of 13 flagship nature reserves in the area with a beautiful trail that starts in an apple orchard, and passes a brook and a meadow. Lots of wildlife to enjoy, including woodpeckers, nuthatches, and otters.

It is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, and an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, plus it is open and all year and free to visit!

There is a great trail to follow, and if you would like some help navigating, a trail leaflet and a Family trail guide book are available to buy online or from the Information Centre near the entrance.

Venue Type: 
Parks and Gardens
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This extensive park, over 120 hectares (300 acres), was laid out in the 1970’s. Formerly Newbold Comyn Farm, it was acquired by Leamington Corporation in 1943. The northern half is an 18-hole pay-and-play golf course; the southern half provides for recreation, sport and wildlife. The old farmhouse is now a pub, the Newbold Comyn Arms. Newbold Comyn Leisure Centre has a 25 metre swimming pool, children’s fun pool, Pyramids fitness suite and other facilities.

Welches Meadow and the Leam Valley Local Nature Reserves are situated in Newbold Comyn Country Park.

Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
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Situated in the village of Hunningham, about three miles east of Leamington Spa, this site is agriculturally improved grassland with small areas of relatively species poor semi-improved grassland. It has been used in recent years for year-round horse grazing.

 

Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
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Lobbington Meadow is an unimproved species-rich hay meadow which faces north east on the banks of the River Dene and exhibits ridge and furrow topography. The meadow overlies Lias clays and shales which have given rise to a calcareous soil.

Rocky islands, habitat for seals and many species of seabird
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
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The Farne Islands are possibly the most exciting seabird colony in England with unrivalled views of 23 species, including around 37,000 pairs of puffin.

It's also home to a large grey seal colony, with more than 1,000 pups born every autumn.

Historically, the islands have strong links with Celtic Christianity and St Cuthbert, who lived here in the 7th Century.

There's also a medieval pele tower and Victorian lighthouse here, plus a visitor centre and easy access boardwalk.

Venue Type: 
Parks and Gardens
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Polkemmet Country Park is a beautiful 68-hectare park in the heart of Scotland's Lothian region. The Park offers beautiful woodland and riverside walks, play area and picnic areas with seating.

You can walk, cycle, play in our 'miner's play area', go horse riding or orienteering, play golf and end the day by hiring a BBQ to cook a tasty meal.

Kept by Rangers, there are a number of Ranger-led activities for you to enjoy.

Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
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Corrieshalloch may mean ‘Ugly Hollow’ in Gaelic, but there is nothing ugly about Corrieshalloch Gorge National Nature Reserve, a deep tree-shrouded chasm and beauty spot that cuts through a Highland wilderness rich in flora and fauna. Corrieshalloch is a slot gorge, or box-canyon, that was cut as far back as 2.6million years ago by Ice Age glacial meltwater.

The River Droma forges through the gorge, dramatically dropping 100 metres in just 1.25km through a series of waterfalls, including the thunderous 45m high Falls of Measach.

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