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

Cuckmere Valley

Flower-rich chalk grassland with stunning views of the Cuckmere River
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
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With fantastic views of the Seven Sisters, Cuckmere Valley is a haven for wildlife, from over-wintering wildfowl to colourful wild flowers.

Cradle Valley is a wonderful example of this species-rich chalk grassland, attracting rare and colourful butterflies and plants in summer.

High and Over's dramatic river cliff has been carved out of the soft chalk by the river below. In 1836 a white horse was cut into the chalk on the steep scarp and it remains a popular natural attraction.

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Exmouth

Discover the gateway to the famous Jurassic Coast
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
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Follow a clifftop walk with breathtaking views of the Jurassic coast with a night under the stars at Prattshayes caravan and campsite.

Exmouth countryside includes the impressive headland walk at Orcombe Point, the warm and friendly campsite and bunkhouse at Prattshayes and our tenanted farm at Lower Halsdon on the River Exe. An easy, level path above the beach at Exmouth is a peaceful haven from the holidaying crowds.

Look out for events happening at Lower Halsdon Farm, including hedge-laying, ranger walks and farm open days.

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Llyn Peninsula

A dazzling jewel of a place with sparkling seas, sandy beaches and vast skies
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

We proudly care for some of the Llŷn Peninsula's best beaches and most stunning headland - from the sweeping beach and colourful beach huts of Llanbedrog to the whistling sands at Porthor.

Our beaches and coastal properties offer an excellent base to investigate the coastal path. Why not visit the fishing village of Porthdinllaen huddled into the cliff in a sandy cove or stroll up to the coastguard hut at Mynydd Mawr?

Dewch i ddarganfod hanes, treftadaeth a natur arbennig Pen Llyn. Syniadau ar gyfer gweithgareddau, teithiau cerdded, atyniadau a phethau i'w gwneud...

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The Deep (Aquarium)

The World's Only Submarium!
Venue Type: 
Maritime / Sea Life
Overall Rating: 
0

The Deep is one of the most spectacular aquariums in the world and is home to a whopping 3,500 fish including Europe’s only pair of green sawfish, spectacular sharks and rays and NEW FOR 2014 - a colony of Gentoo penguins.

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Bude to Morwenstow

This most eastern tip of the north Cornwall coast offers vast beaches and hidden delights
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

This stretch of coast between Bude and Morwenstow is one of Cornwall's wild and dramatic corners with a character all of its own. You'll find beaches such as Sandymouth, perfect for rockpooling or surfing, and backdrops of sheer cliffs made of stony clay rock.

Whether you're looking for a short stroll or a more challenging walk there are many exhilarating coastal walks to enjoy.

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Burton Bradstock

Spectacular coastline with cliffs and miles of unspoilt beaches
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

Burton Bradstock is one of the main gateways to the Jurassic Coast and the South West Coast Path.

The estate is easy to access and offers spectacular cliff-top views along the many varied and picturesque coastal walks.

Hive Beach is a popular family destination, made up of shingle, surrounded by spectacular sandstone cliffs. It forms part of the larger Chesil Beach; a striking section of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site and the largest shingle ridge in the world.

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Chilterns Countryside

This group of popular beauty spots offers fabulous walking opportunities
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

Situated in the picturesque Chiltern Hills, this group of popular beauty spots offers fabulous walking opportunities. Pleasant day long walks with a pub stop can take you through the intimate landscape of woods, farms and hamlets that make up much of the Chilterns.

From Coombe Hill and Low Scrubs (near Wendover), you can explore our other sites including Aston Wood and Juniper Bank, Bradenham Estate, Hogback Wood, Pulpit Wood and Watlington Hill and Woods.

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Bolberry Down

Dramatic clifftop with far-reaching views
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

Bolberry Down has levelled circular trails through a breathtaking coastal landscape.

A circular walk around the flat plateau of Bolberry Down offers easy walking and far-reaching views of South Devon. Take your time and visit the viewpoints, take a seat and immerse yourself in this spectacular coastline.

We reckon that Bolberry is one of the best places to experience the joy of flying a kite. It can get very gusty on top of the cliffs - perfect for beginners and the more experienced. Bring your kite and give it a try.

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Dunsland

A grand Parkland abundant in wildlife and with over 900 years of history
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

Perfect for a walk or picnic, the tranquil, ancient parkland of Dunsland park once befitted the grand house that stood in its midst.

The park is home to a variety of trees, including 700-year-old Sweet Chestnuts and old fruit trees.

Wander around the remaining buildings of Tudor Dunsland House. All apart from the old stable and coach house were lost in a fire in the 1960s.

The trees in Dunsland park support many rare lichens and provide a rich habitat for wildlife.

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Mendip Hills

Dramatic gorges and ancient woodland rising above the Somerset Levels
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

The Mendip Hills run east-west across Somerset from Frome to Brean Down. Inside they are hiding fascinating secrets such as underground caves and rivers, making the hills a popular centre for caving.

From the outside they reveal centuries of history from the pre-historic at Cheddar to the Iron-Age at Brent Knoll and a Victorian fort at Brean Down.

They are fantastic places for walking, cycling and horse riding and the views from the top of these hills are truly breathtaking.

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