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

Stretch your legs in a living Cornish landscape
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
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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
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.

Venue Type: 
Theme Parks
Overall Rating: 
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Gardaland Park is the Number 1 Amusement Park in Italy, the one with the longest history and one of the most important ones at a European Level.
In 2005, the prestigious American magazine Forbes placed Gardaland Park at the fifth place among the best amusement parks in the world!

Venue Type: 
Parks and Gardens
Overall Rating: 
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A famous landmark of the north east, this saddle containing a single sycamore tree is an absolutely beautiful spot. It is a pleasant walk west from Housesteads Crag and was made famous by the film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. The tree is now known as the 'Robin Hood tree'.

The walk from Housesteads Roman Fort is alongside Hadrian's Wall is beautiful to have a short walk along, the scenery and panoramic views just can't be beaten.

Venue Type: 
Themed Attractions
Overall Rating: 
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At 250 metres above street level, Sydney Tower Eye is the highest point in Sydney - perfect for finding your bearings or just taking it all in.

Sydney Tower Eye is the perfect place to start your Sydney adventure. With views stretching out as far as the eye can see in all directions, there's no better place to find your bearings.

A stunning countryside haven in the heart of the busy Midlands
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
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Explore the miles of footpaths, bridleways and easy access trails offering breathtaking panoramic views over the Cotswolds, Shropshire Hills and Welsh borders.

Wonder at the 18th-century follies which form the backdrop to the picturesque Hagley Hall.

Walk to Walton Hill, a little off the beaten track, for a more tranquil area. Find peace and quiet or get closer to nature at the wildlife hide; Walton Hill is an important area for breeding birds and rare insects.

Discover the myths, legends, bloody battles and early tourism ventures in the region.

Large National Trust shop and Visitor Centre set amongst spectacular countryside and beaches
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
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Skirting the National Nature Reserve of the South Gower Coast, overlooking Rhossili Bay, the large National Trust shop boasts a range of Trust and local gifts, as well as providing local information.

It is a great place to begin touring this interesting area. The Visitor Centre displays regular exhibitions.

Venue Type: 
Historic Buildings & Monuments
Overall Rating: 
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The 112 acres of Kenwood is on the crest of one of the most popular open spaces in the capital, Hampstead Heath. In contrast to the natural Heath, the park around Kenwood is very much a designed landscape in an English style.

Set on the edge of Hampstead Heath and surrounded by tranquil landscaped gardens, Kenwood is one of London's hidden gems.

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