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

Walk in the footsteps of Romans and experience life in this grand Roman villa
Venue Type: 
Historic Buildings & Monuments
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The ruins of one of the largest Romano British villas in the country. Also considered one of the most complete and extensive sites, includes some great mosaics. Interesting activities and events throughout the summer and school hols.

Venue Type: 
Castles
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There's a fairytale quality to Bolsover Castle that makes it a firm favourite with anyone looking for a great value day out in the East Midlands. Highlights include the sumptuously painted walls and ceilings of the Little Castle, intricately carved fireplaces and the magnificent indoor Riding House.

The free destination for the incurably curious
Venue Type: 
Museums
Overall Rating: 
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The Wellcome Collection is a unique mix of galleries and events, the world-famous Wellcome Library, a cafe, bookshop and conference centre.

Our most environmentally sustainable centre, complete with one of Europe’s largest solar panels!
Venue Type: 
Outdoor Activity
Overall Rating: 
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Dearne Valley opened its doors as the new Kingswood centre in 2012. Following a multi-million pound investment programme, Dearne Valley is our most environmentally sustainable centre, complete with one of Europe’s largest solar panels and an on-site waste recycling plant.

Features

A contemporary blend of nature, adventure activity, and sector leading, quality accommodation located near to the beautiful city of York

Unique environmental facilities including giant solar panels, wind power and a natural water treatment plant

Venue Type: 
Museums
Overall Rating: 
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The Old Operating Theatre Museum and Herb Garret is a museum of surgical history and one of the oldest surviving operating theatres.

An historic landscape full of natural beauty
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
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For many years the commons have been at the heart of the local community. At over 874 acres, the wide variety of landscapes offers the perfect escape to the country.

From the Thames riverbank to woodlands and wildflower meadows, there's a lot to discover whether you're on foot, bike or even horseback.

Inspire, engage and educate
Venue Type: 
Museums
Overall Rating: 
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Come and discover how Slough transformed from a muddy bog to a thriving town of industry and innovation, and explore the history of community life in Slough, through stories of celebration, migration and unity.

Slough Museum has a fascinating collection to explore…we look forward to seeing you soon!

Schools Learning

We create safe and creative environments which inspire learning and enjoyment at the Museum and as part of our outreach programme, and offer formal and informal learning experiences, including:

Venue Type: 
Museums
Overall Rating: 
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The Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain has had a museum collection since 1842, which continues to be managed by the RPS today at its offices in Lambeth. The exhibits cover all aspects of British pharmacy history, and include:

Venue Type: 
Museums
Overall Rating: 
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Visit Worcestershire County Museum at Hartlebury Castle and discover over 1,000 years of history!

From costume to caravans, travel to toys there really is something for everyone at Worcestershire County Museum. Learn more about this fascinating county, explore the past through room sets and real historical objects and discover just what life was like for our ancestors. A nature reserve, fabulous cafe and well stocked gift shop all add up to a great day out.

School Visits

Venue Type: 
Museums
Overall Rating: 
0

Learn about the history of life in the Nile Valley from prehistory through to the Islamic period. Thousands of objects to look through including ancient papyrus and carvings. Free to visit.

Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology is an excellent place to take history fans, budding explorers and archaeologists, plus any kids who would like to see something a little different.

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