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

Mainly early 14th century remains of a large courtyard castle.
Venue Type: 
Castles
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Also known as Llanblethian Castle, St Quentin's Castle near Cowbridge includes a massive twin-towered gatehouse. It is believed that the majority of the castle was built by Gilbert de Clare (the Last, d. 1314).

Unstaffed open site, no booking required

Explore the universe from the Big Bang to the darkest reaches of Space.
Venue Type: 
Museums
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Expect the unexpected including a space toiler, a seven-toed cat and a pregnant man.

Delve into the archives of scientific geniuses such as James Lovelock or peer into the future of the latest psychological advances.

Learn about Medicine techniques through the ages. And get your hands on one of our interactive exhibits - just like the Queen, who sent her first tweet from here!

School Trips

Venue Type: 
Museums
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The National Waterfront Museum (Amgueddfa Genedlaethol y Glannau) tells the story of industry and innovation in Wales, now and over the last 300 years.

Our vast industrial and maritime heritage is ready to explore via cutting-edge, interactive technology married with traditional displays. It means a unique, captivating and involved visitor experience lies in wait at Wales's newest national museum.

Five Amazing Attractions - One Amazing Trip!
Venue Type: 
Historic Buildings & Monuments
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Modelled on the Eiffel Tower, when Blackpool Tower opened in 1894 it was the tallest building in Britain. It took just 3 years to construct using 5 million bricks and over 2,500 tonnes of steel. It can be seen from as far afield as the Lake District and North Wales.

Step back in time to discover a restored mill and working forge in this pretty village
Venue Type: 
Factory Visits & Industry
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Nestling in a valley that reaches down to the sea on east Devon’s dramatic Jurassic Coast, the village of Branscombe is surrounded by picturesque countryside with miles of tranquil walking through woodland, farmland and beach. Branscombe's charming thatched houses, working forge and restored watermill add to the timeless magic of the place.

Venue Type: 
Environment Centres
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The York Environment Centre is managed by the Friends of St Nicholas Fields. We exist to promote sustainable living to people in York and the surrounding area. In 1994 we began work to transform this former landfill site into a Local Nature Reserve and the Environment Centre, which was completed in 2000.

From this base, we provide inspiration, advice, practical examples and services to enable people in York and beyond to move towards a sustainable future. Our three core activities are:

1. Continuing to improve St Nicholas Fields as a Local

Venue Type: 
Transport
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A full-size railway service running regular steam-hauled passenger trains between Kidderminster and Bridgnorth, largely along the scenic River Severn. We operate along 16 miles of track from Kidderminster via Bewdley to Bridgnorth.

We are a historic rural railway line run with plenty for train enthusiasts to see and do. You may join the line at several stations, including Hampton Loade, Highley and Arley.

Venue Type: 
Transport
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Norfolk's longest fifteen inch gauge line runs between the ancient market town of Aylsham and Wroxham, the 'Capital of the Norfolk Broads' with country stations serving the villages of Brampton, Buxton and Coltishall.

Britain's Greatest Palace
Venue Type: 
Historic Buildings & Monuments
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Blenheim Palace is a monumental country house situated in Woodstock, Oxfordshire, England, residence of the dukes of Marlborough - the Churchill family. It is the only non-royal non-episcopal country house in England to hold the title of palace and is a World Heritage Site.

The Palace

A true masterpiece of Baroque architecture, Blenheim Palace delivers an awe-inspiring experience for visitors.

Venue Type: 
Environment Centres
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Situated on a large inner city allotment site the Birmingham EcoPark is an environmental education centre which is owned and managed by the Wildlife Trust for Birmingham and the Black Country. 

Serving local schools, we provide a stimulating learning environment which includes woodland, flowering meadow, a pond and heathland. We also have a demonstration wind turbine, solar panels and a reed-bed system to recycle our grey water.

In addition to work with local schools we are also open to visitors by appointment. The EcoPark is a great place to relax as well as to learn!

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