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

A natural amphitheatre on a spur of the Cotswolds, with views over the Vale of Evesham
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
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Dover's Hill was the site of the original English Olympic Games, which began here 400 years ago in 1612. The tradition continues with the annual Cotswold Olimpicks - a fun-packed day for all ages featuring the ancient art of Shin Kicking and tug-of-war. See http://www.olimpickgames.com for more details!

Varied landscape of moorland, woods, farms and coast, rich in wildlife
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

Holnicote Estate makes up 12,000 acres of Exmoor National Park and is a contrasting landscape with everything from wild, rugged moorland and shingle beaches to ancient woodland and charming thatched villages.

So much to explore
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
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Box Hill is the perfect place to discover a family walk and explore the beautiful Surrey Hills. Forming part of the North Downs, Box Hill has breathtaking views across the surrounding countryside. It's home to some fantastic wildlife and plants too, including the Adonis blue butterfly and bee orchid.

This month, why don't you try out some of our fantastic walks leaflets? There are lots of walks over the hill, which you can download here, or collect on site. Whatever the weather and however much time you have, there'll be something for everyone.

Venue Type: 
Parks and Gardens
Overall Rating: 
0

Two acres of magnificent garden, set on the side of Kinnoull Hill overlooking Perth. Branklyn holds an impressive collection of rare and unusual plants. Schools are welcome to arrange a visit with the site manager.

Venue Type: 
Outdoor Activity
Overall Rating: 
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Umberslade Adventure is an outdoor play area set in an 80 acre woodland in the heart of Warwickshire, offering physical and educational activities for all ages.

These include:
420ft Zip line: swoop from the trees if you think you are brave enough. It will get your adrenaline pumping.

Low ropes course: provides tactical and fun elements all in safety of being 2 feet from the ground.

Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

This 100 acre site, managed in partnership with 

Venue Type: 
Parks and Gardens
Overall Rating: 
0

Beecraigs Country Park is a great place to visit. It caters for a wide range of leisure and recreational activities within its 370 hectares (913 acres) and can be discovered nestled high in the Bathgate Hills near the historic town of Linlithgow. The Park is open throughout the year and admission is free.

At Beecraigs, visitors can experience the Red Deer herd, Highland Cattle fold and Belted Galloways. They can play in the playground, go orienteering, cycling or horse riding, or wnjoy the beauty of the park by simply walking.

Venue Type: 
Castles
Overall Rating: 
0

Welcome to Clan Donald Skye, a magnificent 20,000 acre estate in south Skye. Enjoy an outstanding holiday experience, exploring the historic gardens and woodland trails around Armadale Castle, learning about highland history in our fascinating Museum of the Isles or staying in our self-catering lodges.

Venue Type: 
Parks and Gardens
Overall Rating: 
0

The park opened in 1934 after the land was presented to the City by Councillor F.E. Moss in memory of his sister Florence.

What facilities does it have?

Lakeshore park with stunning mountain views
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

Situated at the very southern tip of Lake Windermere, Fell Foot is a great, family friendly location to play, explore and relax. Sweeping lawns offer plenty of space for games, picnics and gentle walks, while easy lake access makes the park perfect for paddling, swimming and boating.

Rowing boats are available to hire (from April to October 2014) and our adventure playground offers fun for all ages.

The boathouse café is a fantastic place to be. Soak up the atmosphere and enjoy a warming cup of delicious hot chocolate, coffee or tea.

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