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: 
Historic Buildings & Monuments
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Unstaffed open site, no booking required

Venue Type: 
Historic Buildings & Monuments
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Unstaffed open site, no booking required

Venue Type: 
Battlefield / Military
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Unstaffed open site, no booking required

Venue Type: 
Maritime / Sea Life
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Situated right on the sea-front next to Brighton's iconic pier, SEA LIFE Brighton is the world's oldest operating aquarium and provides a fascinating insight into life below the waves.

Venue Type: 
Maritime / Sea Life
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SEA LIFE Manchester offers an interactive, hands-on visit for schools and groups. With an array of amazing creatures and our helpful and knowledgeable staff on hand to answer questions and offer amazing facts about the creatures that you'll see, this is an inspiring visit for all. A day out at SEA LIFE will leave you with fantastic memories and feeling empowered to make a difference to the underwater world.

Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
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Our nature reserves: a unique resource for outdoor learning. Woodland, flower-rich meadows, hills, wild heathland and wetlands ringing with bird calls: our nature reserves are found throughout Shropshire and, together, total 750 hectares. They protect rare and threatened habitats but can also be a gateway for children to experience the natural world. Get in touch to find out more about reserves near you that are suitable for school groups.

Activity examples:

Unwind amongst the wooded foothills of Snowdon
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
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Nant Gwynant is one of the most dramatic and beautiful valleys in Wales. It's northern slopes rise to the summit of our highest mountain, Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) and to the south lies the relatively undisturbed hills of Moel y Dyniewyd and the Moelwynion range.

The Afon Glaslyn river runs through two majestic lakes, Llyn Gwynant and Llyn Dinas, and below the picturesque village of Beddgelert, it tumbles down to sea-level through the positively Alpine Aberglaslyn Pass. The 200 acre Craflwyn estate is set in the heart of beautiful Snowdonia.

Venue Type: 
Maritime / Sea Life
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Looking for family attractions and things to do in Istanbul? Visit Istanbul SEA LIFE Aquarium, located in Forum Istanbul Shopping Mall and home to an exciting collection of sea creatures. With an amazing 83m long underwater Ocean Tunnel, 270 degree panoramic viewing Sea Bed, 21 themed zones with 47 display tanks and more than 15,000 sea creatures, the aquarium is the perfect stop for family fun! To get any closer you would have to get wet! 

Venue Type: 
Zoos / Wildlife Parks
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Gauntlet Birds of Prey, Eagle & Vulture Park is the largest zoo of its kind in Cheshire and the North West.

We specialise in education, conservation, protection and we have an excellent Bird of Prey breeding scheme.

Gauntlet Birds of Prey, Eagle & Vulture Park welcomes schools, colleges and groups to come and visit all year.

Coastal and woodland walks with superb views over the estuary and sea
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Wildlife and Nature
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Coastal and woodland walks with superb views over the estuary and sea.

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