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

Old Operating Theatre and Herb Garret

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.

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Maidenhead and Cookham Commons

An historic landscape full of natural beauty
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
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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.

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Slough Museum

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:

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Royal Pharmaceutical Society Museum

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:

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Sycamore Gap

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.

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The Sydney Tower Eye

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.

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Clent Hills

A stunning countryside haven in the heart of the busy Midlands
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

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.

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Gower: Rhossili Shop and Visitor Centre

Large National Trust shop and Visitor Centre set amongst spectacular countryside and beaches
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

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.

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Kenwood House and Gardens

Venue Type: 
Historic Buildings & Monuments
Overall Rating: 
0

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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Croft Castle and Parkland

1,000 years of power, politics and pleasure in an intimate family home
Venue Type: 
Castles
Overall Rating: 
0

Really welcoming to children: indoors they can play with vintage toys and tinkle on the grand piano, plus explore the cellars and attics; outside there are several play areas and an orienteering course, plus bee hives, Iron Age Hill Fort and other structures to find and explore.

Croft Castle boasts over 1,500 acres of surrounding farm, park and woodland to explore.

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