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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SEA LIFE Loch Lomond Aquarium is just 30 minutes from Glasgow, situated on the stunning Loch Lomond Shores. Explore an amazing underwater world and take a fascinating journey from the Loch Lomond shores to the ocean depths through 7 themed zones, including our Tropical Ocean Tunnel. Get up close to over 5000 creatures, including Scotland's only Giant Green Sea Turtle, the largest collection of sharks in Scotland and our playful family of otters.

Venue Type: 
Maritime / Sea Life
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Take advantage of the SEA LIFE Königswinter as an attractive, non-school setting for school class visits. Motivate your students with a trip to where they experience native and tropical habitats of the oceans up close and learn with all senses.

Breathtaking stretch of silver sands surrounded by wildlife-rich dunes
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
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The sandy beach is backed by dunes where a variety of flowers bloom: bluebells, cowslips, burnet roses and, to give it its common name, bloody cranesbill, amongst others.

Venue Type: 
Maritime / Sea Life
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Bring your class to the newest attraction in Charlotte-Concord!

With over 5,000 creatures on display, a visit to SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord Aquarium will engage your students' senses. In addition to the spectacular view from the underwater tunnel, children can get involved at the interactive rockpool by holding a crab or even touching a starfish.
With so much to see and experience you will take learning beyond the classroom and into a new underwater world.

Ancient commons, mentioned in the Domesday Book, with grassland plains, mighty oak woods and serene ponds
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
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Bookham Commons' varied landscapes, from ancient oak woods to grassland plains and tranquil ponds, support an abundance of wildlife, which can be heard and seen throughout the seasons.

Listen out for tuneful nightingales and warblers in the spring, and in summer look for insects hovering over the ponds. If you're lucky, you may also spot the beautiful, but elusive, purple emperor butterfly.

Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
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The grounds at Harewood are ideal for watching wild birds attracted by the variety of different habitats – ideal for those birds living and breeding here or just visiting on a seasonal basis.

The bird life around these areas can be easily observed from the many footpaths and gardens, or even sat on the Terrace relaxing with a cup of tea in The Terrace Cafe.

Venue Type: 
Parks and Gardens
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Situated in West Sussex and set in 465 acres of country estate, Wakehurst boasts ornamental gardens, temperate woodlands, a nature reserve and an Elizabethan mansion. 

Surround yourself in the natural beauty of the area, join a walking tour, take afternoon tea, or learn about the essential conservation work of Kew's Millennium Seed Bank. With a natural play area for the children, there is something to keep everyone entertained.

Venue Type: 
Maritime / Sea Life
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The Manly SEA LIFE Sanctuary education program is delivered by trained and passionate marine educator officers and it’s this, combined with our commitment to marine conservation, which makes us the Northern Beaches' leading school excursion venue.

Manly SEA LIFE Sanctuary provides students with the perfect opportunity to learn about, observe and interact with a wide variety of Australian marine life - including huge sharks, sea turtles and stingrays!

Venue Type: 
Maritime / Sea Life
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Educational Field Trips

SEA LIFE Arizona offers an interactive, hands-on visit for schools, groups and birthday parties. With an array of amazing creatures, an immersive underwater tunnel experience, and our helpful and knowledgeable staff on hand to answer questions and offer amazing facts about the creatures that you'll see, this is an inspiring visit for all. A day out at SEA LIFE Arizona will leave you with fantastic memories, and feeling empowered to make a difference to the underwater world.

The museum of the history of Jute
Venue Type: 
Museums
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'If it wasnae for the weavers where would we be?' A visit to award-winning attraction Scotland's Jute Museum @ Verdant Works in Dundee is a great day out for everyone.

Scotland's Jute Museum @ Verdant Works weaves the tale of jute with the life and work of old Dundee, from the incredible rise of the industry to its subsequent decline. It's a story that transports you back over 100 years when jute was king and Dundee was its realm.

Part of Dundee's Discovery and Heritage Trust.

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