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: 
Parks and Gardens
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A local nature reserve and country park with a large lake and extensive woodland. A fairly wild sort place with natural features only, but a wonderful environment to explore, and free!

It is also the site of a Roman villa (although unfortunately there are no visible remains).

There is still a lot for the kids to see as the park provides an exceptionally wide range of habitats, such as:

Venue Type: 
Tours
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A trip aboard an Edwardian River Launch in Oxford offers a taste of a slower life, where cares drift away with the gentle flow of the water and life’s pleasures can be enjoyed to their utmost. Great idea for a family day out in Oxfordshire.

A variety of cruise types on offer to suit all requirements, educational and guided, quiet with snacks, long and historical. Public cruises depart from their moorings at the address given.

Venue Type: 
Zoos / Wildlife Parks
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For a great family day out in beautiful surroundings and the opportunity to see spectacular flying demonstrations, it’s a visit not to be missed. It’s also a great photography opportunity and courses with experts are also available. For a great present you can also book special experience days and get to handle the birds.

International Birds of Prey Centre highlights

Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
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Once part of one of the most important 18th century picturesque landscapes in Scotland, an attractive woodland walk leads though spectacularly large Douglas firs (including one of the tallest trees in the country) to the amazing folly, Ossian's Hall overlooking the Black Linn waterfall.

Please contact the ranger service if you would like more information about the Hermitage or would look to book a guided visit for your group.

Georgian mansion filled with historic keyboard instruments set in rolling Repton parkland
Venue Type: 
Historic Buildings & Monuments
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Hatchlands Park was built in the 1750s for naval hero Admiral Edward Boscawen and his wife Fanny. They gave architect, Robert Adam, one of his first interior design commissions. His work can be seen throughout the house, particularly in ceilings and fireplaces.

Today the mansion is a family home, containing tenant Alec Cobbe’s collection of paintings and fine furniture. Also on display is the Cobbe Collection, Europe’s largest collection of keyboard instruments associated with famous composers including JC Bach, Chopin, Elgar and Bizet.

A Georgian Italianate palace in an idyllic English landscape
Venue Type: 
Historic Buildings & Monuments
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A grand place for a truly entertaining day out.

Venue Type: 
Transport
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The GWR is a steam and diesel heritage railway in the English Cotswolds. Since 1981, the volunteers have restored over 10 miles of line, together with platforms, buildings, steam and diesel locomotives and rolling stock. In addition to a scheduled service, GWR hosts a number of galas and enthusiast€™ events.

The railway travels from Toddington, across the Cotswolds via Winchcombe to Cheltenham Racecourse. Parking is free at our stations

School Visits

A homely country house dated 1700 set in Victorian walled gardens at the foot of the Lincolnshire Wolds
Venue Type: 
Historic Buildings & Monuments
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‘I could live here!’, is what most people say when visiting Gunby Hall and Gardens. Modest-sized rooms full of character and charm make it easy to imagine you can move in yourself.

With links to Tennyson, Darwin and Vaughan-Williams there is so much to discover about the family home of the Massingberd family.

Explore three floors of the hall full of interesting collection pieces amassed over generations from 1700 until 1963. Chat to our room guides to find out stories about Gunby’s interesting past.

Venue Type: 
Parks and Gardens
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A delightful garden, typical of the small country estates on the banks of the Clyde purchased by merchants and industrialists in the 18th and 19th centuries. Attractive features include a walled garden and a burn, winding through the wooded glen.

School visits are welcomed by prior arrangement.

A hidden gem which is well worth a visit
Venue Type: 
Parks and Gardens
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Herschel Park is a unique Grade II listed park, easily accessible in the centre of Slough. Consisting of the recently restored Victorian Pleasure Gardens and a newly created Nature Reserve, it has a rich history and amazing wildlife and plants to explore.

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