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: 
Transport
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St Pancras railway station is a central London railway terminus and Grade I listed building. It is one of the biggest landmarks in London and serves as a gateway to Europe. It is used by 45 million passengers annually and is home to the Eurostar.

Venue Type: 
Environment Centres
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A beautiful medieval site with public access for walks and picnics. We run family-focused events through the year, whether it's history, wildlife and environment or archaeology, there'™s something for everyone to learn and have fun too!

We hold events through the year, including exhibitions, workshops and guided walks, culminating in our exciting Medieval Family Fun Day in September.

Venue Type: 
Factory Visits & Industry
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Welcome to the Wedgwood Visitor Centre, set in over 240 acres in the heart of the Staffordshire countryside.

Pottery History

In 1765, Josiah Wedgwood created a new pottery company that developed a unique satin finished strikingly blue form of earthenware which impressed the then British Queen consort Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, who gave permission to call it Queen's Ware; it was a smash hit across Europe.

Venue Type: 
Transport
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London Waterloo station is a central London railway terminus and London Underground station complex in the London Borough of Lambeth. The current building was opened in 1922, but there has been a railway station on this site since 1848.

A striking and majestic ruined Castle
Venue Type: 
Castles
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Donnington Castle stands overlooking the Lambourn Valley in an important strategic position commanding the crossing of major north–south and east–west routes.

The striking twin-towered 14th-century gatehouse of this castle, later the focus of a Civil War siege and battle, survives amid impressive earthworks.

The gatehouse, which is two storeys high and is roofed at battlement level, survives well. It serves as evidence for the luxury and privacy enjoyed by Sir Richard Abberbury, whose private quarters would have been situated within this part of the castle.

Venue Type: 
Transport
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King's Cross railway station is a major London railway terminus which takes its name from the King's Cross area of London, which itself was named after a monument to King George IV that was demolished in 1845.

Venue Type: 
Libraries / Archives
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The new Library of Birmingham is a stunning building both inside and out. Here you can:

Venue Type: 
Museums
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In 1973 the Royal Institution opened a museum dedicated to Michael Faraday. It is in the main Royal Institution building in Albemarle Street. It is free and is open to the public during weekday office hours.

Explore world-changing science through displays spread across three floors, the stuff of science is woven throughout the RI building. In fact, wherever you go, you'll discover the instruments and people that have made science work for the last two hundred years.

Venue Type: 
Parks and Gardens
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Acres of landscape garden bordered by historic parkland and woodland.

The garden is a horticultural work of art formed through centuries of landscape design, with influences of 'Capability' Brown and Humphry Repton. Four lakes form the heart of the garden, with paths circulating through the glades and wooded areas surrounding them. Each owner has left their impression, which can still be seen today in the layout of the lakes, the construction of Pulham Falls, the planting of Palm Walk and the many different tree and shrub species from around the world.

Rural heritage railway in the heart of Norfolk
Venue Type: 
Transport
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This heritage railway takes passengers on an eleven mile trip through unspoilt Norfolk countryside, passing well-preserved signal boxes and pretty village stations. Mid-Norfolk Railway runs heritage diesel trains and there are regular visits from guest steam trains. 

Dereham station is a fine example of a mid-Victorian station and has been restored to the 1950s period. When trains are running the station itself is also open for visits. Entry is free and there are several display cases with artefacts and local photographs. The small museum is open on Wednesdays only.

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