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: 
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
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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.

Visit this stunning landscape and beautiful gardens.
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
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Here you will find magnificent cliiftop walks, affording rugged headland views across the awe-inspiring North Coast.

Discover the striking 18th-century mansion of the eccentric Earl Bishop that now lies in ruin, then explore Mussenden Temple, perched on the cliff edge. As an extra treat you can learn about the reality of life in the rural 17th-century cottage of Hezlett House, told through people who once lived there in one of Northern Ireland's oldest buildings.

Venue Type: 
Museums
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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
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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.

Venue Type: 
Castles
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Highclere Castle is a beautiful building and a warm, welcoming home to visitors and guests at events and celebrations held here.

Georgian house with literary associations
Venue Type: 
Historic Buildings & Monuments
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Red-brick fronted house with literary associations - both Henry James and E. F. Benson, the novelists, lived here.

We like telling stories and making sure our visitors learn about the best bits of this special place so we need guides for the house and garden to bring Lamb House to life. If you can immerse yourself in the history of this place and its jewel of a garden, can tell a good tale or two and keep our visitors enthralled, come and volunteer, we've got several roles available.

The garden

Discover Knightshayes, a country estate on a grand, gothic scale
Venue Type: 
Historic Buildings & Monuments
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Begun in 1869, and a rare survival of the work of the eccentric designer William Burges, Knightshayes is an extraordinary gothic delight, with rich Victorian interiors, with far reaching views of the Exe Valley and Tiverton.

Knightshayes has one of the finest gardens in Devon, with formal terraces, unique topiary, rare shrubs, many fine specimen trees, glorious spring flowers and summer borders, and a full productive Walled kitchen garden, provided the restaurant with fresh seasonal fruit and vegetables all year round.

Stretch your legs in a living Cornish landscape
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
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We care for some beautiful stretches of land between Lantic Bay and Lansallos in south east Cornwall.

Pencarrow Head is a great starting point, with views of the unspoilt sands of Lantic Bay to the west and the many coves of Lantivet Bay to the east.

With activities ranging from camping and kite flying to walking and watersports there are loads of ways you can explore the coast and countryside.

Our most environmentally sustainable centre, complete with one of Europe’s largest solar panels!
Venue Type: 
Outdoor Activity
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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.

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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

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