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

Giant's Causeway

Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
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In the footsteps of giants...

Flanked by the wild North Atlantic Ocean and a landscape of dramatic cliffs, for centuries the Giant’s Causeway has inspired artists, stirred scientific debate and captured the imagination of all who see it. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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Great Chalfield Manor and Garden

Charming 15th-century manor house with Arts and Crafts garden
Venue Type: 
Historic Buildings & Monuments
Overall Rating: 
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This beautiful medieval manor sits in peaceful countryside. Cross the upper moat, passing barns, gatehouse and delightful parish church to enjoy fine oriel windows and the soldiers, griffons and monkey adorning the rooftops.

Romantic gardens offer terraces, topiary houses, gazebo, lily pond, roses and views across the spring-fed fishpond.

You are welcome to visit the Parish Church when you visit (not National Trust), donations are welcome.

Great Chalfield Manor House is home to the donor family tenants, who manage the house on behalf of the Trust.

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Lotherton Hall & Bird Garden

Overall Rating: 
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Where can you do all these things in one day?

Wander wistfully through a wildflower meadow? Travel the world through Africa and China with the Gascoigne family? Come face-to-face with exotic feathery friends? Imagine yourself living in a grand Edwardian house? And enjoy a picnic while watching a herd of deer?

Lotherton Estate, of course!

What's on offer

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Greenway

'The loveliest place in the world'
Venue Type: 
Transport
Overall Rating: 
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Take this extraordinary glimpse into the beloved holiday home of the famous and much-loved author Agatha Christie and her family.

This relaxed and atmospheric house is set in the 1950s, when Agatha and her family would spend summers and Christmases here with friends, relaxing by the river, playing croquet and clock golf, and reading her latest mystery to their guests. The family were great collectors, and the house is filled with archaeology, Tunbridgeware, silver, botanical china and books.

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Greenbank Garden

Venue Type: 
Parks and Gardens
Overall Rating: 
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Greenbank House and its walled garden were built for Robert Allason in the 1760s. In 1962, the estate was purchased by William Blyth, who set to work transforming the garden into the design you see today. In 1976, William gifted Greenbank House and Garden to the NTS.

School groups are welcome and various itineraries are available depending on the age group. Groups of over 30 are usually taken in two groups, each with a guide. Special interest tours are available by arrangement, with possible practical demonstrations.

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Lakeland Sheep and Wool Centre

Cumbria's most famous residents
Venue Type: 
Museums
Overall Rating: 
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Includes sheep, cattle, dogs and geese. Large shop with sheepskin rugs, sheepy gifts, clothing, books etc

Come indoors and be enthralled & educated in our unique farm show. Includes sheep, cattle, dogs and geese. Large shop with sheepskin rugs, sheepy gifts, clothing, books etc. Our cafe serves hot meals & snacks. Licensed bar. Lots of free parking.

This shop sells high quality woollen goods and gifts, some with a distinctly sheepish theme.

Also hosts the Western Lake District Visitor Centre with it's spectacular visual show and exhibits.

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Grant Museum of Zoology

Venue Type: 
Museums
Overall Rating: 
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The Grant Museum of Zoology is the only remaining university zoological museum in London. It houses around 67,000 specimens, covering the whole Animal Kingdom. 

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Chester Farm

Northamptonshire's heritage jewel
Venue Type: 
Historic Buildings & Monuments
Overall Rating: 
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Chester Farm is an archaeologically and historically important site covering 34 hectares, which includes a large area designated as a Scheduled Monument and a complex of Grade II and Grade II* listed buildings.

The site is not currently open to the public so please do not visit unless by appointment.

The site has evidence of human activity for 10,000 years and has been home to different communities spanning some 2,000 years. Evidence of occupation and activity on site include:

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Canna

Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
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Boasting stunning scenery, a temperate climate and a sheltered harbour, Canna is the most westerly of the Small Isles of the Inner Hebrides, and also one of the most hospitable. Guided walks are possible by prior arrangement with the property manager.

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Killerton House

Venue Type: 
Historic Buildings & Monuments
Overall Rating: 
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Fine 18th-century house with costume collection, hillside garden and estate. Home to the 'Paulise de Bush' costume collection, with over 9,000 outfits. Delightful hillside garden featuring rhododendrons, magnolias, and rare trees. Stunning parkland walks all year round.

Discovery centre brings history and the environment to life.

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