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

Picturesque watermill with working waterwheel
Venue Type: 
Historic Buildings & Monuments
Overall Rating: 
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A delightful piece of late Elizabethan playfulness. Built for banquets and converted into a mill in the 19th century.

Just a mile south of Colchester sits Bourne Mill, a grade 1 listed building steeped in history. It was built as a fishing lodge in 1591, converted to a fulling mill around 1640 and then converted to a corn mill in about 1840, which continued working until the 1930s. It is well worth a visit.

Escape the bustle and enjoy a secluded woodland walk
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
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Visit Combe Wood, 10 acres of mixed ash and oak woodland.

Criss-crossed with pathways, this is the perfect place for a sheltered walk on a warm day and a favourite for local residents.

In spring time the wood is transformed by a carpet of vibrant bluebells and purple orchids.

Internationally important nature reserve, with a fascinating 20th-century military history
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
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Take a short boat trip to this wild and remote shingle spit, the largest in Europe.

Follow trails through a stunning landscape and a history that will both delight and intrigue.

Discover an internationally important nature reserve littered with debris and unusual, often forbidding, buildings from a sometimes disturbing past.

Find out all about the mysterious Orford Ness Pagodas while you are here.

Venue Type: 
Historic Buildings & Monuments
Overall Rating: 
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Almost 250 million visitors regardless of age or origin have come from all over the planet to see the metal latticework of the Eiffel Tower since its opening in 1889.

Like all towers, it allows us to see and to be seen, with a spectacular ascent, a unique panoramic view of Paris, and a glittering beacon in the skies of the capital of France.

The Tower also represents the magic of light. Its lighting, its sparkling lights, and its beacon shine and inspire dreams every evening.

Well preserved Ironworks with furnaces, casting house, dressed cottages & company shop
Venue Type: 
Historic Buildings & Monuments
Overall Rating: 
0

Captivated by the Coal House series? You’re not alone! The BBC television series, filmed on site, has attracted thousands of new visitors to witness how difficult life was for working families at Blaenavon Ironworks’ Stack Square cottages.

Venue Type: 
Outdoor Activity
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A company for canoeing, kayaking and stand up paddleboarding. Crafts for hire, plus tuition and guided tours available.

There are a number of guided tours on kayak and canoes or you can hire the craft and go out paddling by yourself.

There are several different brands of kayaks and canoes to rent, plus they supply you with a range of accessories that you will need for your trip, including waterproof dry bags, waterproof top plus buoyancy aids.

Classic south Lakeland countryside with views of the fells and lakes
Venue Type: 
Historic Buildings & Monuments
Overall Rating: 
0

The western shore of Windermere is perfect for a car-free adventure for all the family. Why not travel over on the ferry from Bowness? In less than 15 minutes you’ll leave the busy eastern shore behind you and arrive at the naturally beautiful west shore.  

From here you can discover the mystical heights of Claife Viewing Station and learn about its colourful history.

The Station courtyard is perfect for picnics followed by a gentle wander up the slope where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Windermere, at the top.

A traditional English landscape
Venue Type: 
Farms
Overall Rating: 
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Outridge is an 80 acre farm set on the side of Toy's Hill. It has an impressive grade 2 listed square oast house and piggery located in its centre and is home to the Octavia Hill basecamp.

This place gives a fantasic feel of openness and freedom in stark contrast to Toy's Hill. Outridge is a marvellous place to enjoy a peaceful relaxing walk, admire fine views over the north downs and discover the wildlife it supports.

Hop Production

Dramatic moorland rock formations
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
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Explore Brimham Rocks, and have a great day out at nature's playground. 

This amazing collection of weird and wonderful rock formations makes a great day out for families, climbers and those wanting to enjoy the simple pleasures of fresh air and magnificent views over Nidderdale.

Let your imagination run wild as you explore the labyrinth of paths through this unique landscape.

Keep an eye out for some fantastically shaped rocks. Spot the Dancing Bear, The Eagle and The Gorilla, crawl through The Smartie Tube and balance on the Rocking Stones.

Venue Type: 
Museums
Overall Rating: 
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The Royal London has a museum which is located in the crypt of a 19th-century church. It reopened in 2002 after extensive refurbishment and is open to the public free of charge.

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