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.

The announcement in April 2015 that the new SKA radiotelescope is to be built in the UK will also be a huge boost for scientists looking for projects to follow and then visit as the telescope is built in readiness for full operational capability in 2025.

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 03332 070737 or emailing trips@handsam.co.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

Venues for this Curriculum

A great and ancient Downland estate

Slindon Estate is 1,400 hectares of woodland, downland, farmland, and parkland. With countless historic landscape features and its unspoilt Sussex village, there is something for every visitor.

Ellen Terry's early 16th-century house and cottage gardens

Built in the early 16th-century when Smallhythe was a thriving shipbuilding port, Smallhythe Place was purchased by renowned Victorian actress Ellen Terry in 1899.

Her daughter Edith Craig set up the museum in 1929 which is home to a fascinating personal and theatrical collection which highlights Ellen Terry's extraordinary career and unconventional personal life.

Charmouth is the gateway to the Jurassic Coast, an ancient coastline of dramatic cliffs, fossils and beautiful scenery. Ideal for a family holiday away from brash amusements and expensive visitor attractions - re-discover traditional holiday pastimes, enjoy the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre and look for fossils as well.

Experience one of the country's great gardens

Hidcote is an Arts and Crafts garden in the north Cotswolds, a stone’s throw from Stratford-upon-Avon. Created by the talented American horticulturist, Major Lawrence Johnston its colourful and intricately designed outdoor ‘rooms’ are always full of surprises. It’s a must-see if you’re in the Cotswolds.

Kiftsgate Court Gardens was created in the 1920s and is a beautiful place to take the family with a lot of plants to see and enjoy - perfect for garden lovers with lots of space for the kids to run around.

When you visit the railway you can enjoy a unique train ride through dramatic limestone scenery, discover fossils and wild flowers, learn about the railway and stare at the vintage rolling stock!

Open all year, Monday - Sunday. Dolwyddelan, built by Llywelyn Fawr, along with nearby Dolbadarn and Prysor, formed a collection of strategically important mountain fortresses for the Welsh ruler.

A chance to experience what war was like over the last three hundred years for soldiers and their families. A fun way to show history to your students.

Welcome race fans

From old skool nostalgia drag weekends to today's ultra modern modified car and motorcycle scene we'll give you the very best drag racing experience Warwickshire's Shakespeare County Raceway has to offer whatever your age. Recession what recession!

One thousand years of jaw-dropping history!

Great battles, ancient myths, spellbinding tales, pampered princesses, heroic knights. You can find them all here at Warwick Castle.

Blacklow Hill, near Leek Wootton in Warwickshire, lies on the Millennium Way, a pathway constructed in 2000 across the midlands. 

Gentle countryside walks and coastal hikes

Above the bustling seaside town of Sidmouth is Salcombe Hill which has amazing views of the town and out across the Jurassic cliffs.

For the more adventurous, join the South West Coast Path and explore Salcombe Mouth, and the pretty but steep valleys of Lincombe and Duscombe.

Rare survival of a complete estate, with all major buildings including mansion house, servants' quarters, model farm and walled garden

Journey through the historic estate of Shugborough and experience the nation's best 'upstairs downstairs' experience. 

Landscape park and woodland garden with miles of stunning coastal views

Wander through Sheringham Park and you'll discover why it became the personal favourite of its designer, Humphry Repton. Visit the Repton exhibition to see the story of his 1812 design during a turbulent period of history.

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.

Discover the magnificent beech woods and flower-filled meadows that inspired Gilbert White

We protect 267 acres of countryside around Selborne. The largest area, Selborne Common, lies on the hill to the west of the village, while the valley meadows and woodlands of the Lythes lie beyond St Marys Church to the east.

A coast of contrasts, towering cliffs, lush valley slopes and sun-kissed beaches

The south coast of Penwith vividly expresses the changes in man’s use of the land over time. From towering cliffs keeping watch over the western approaches, to gentle, lush valley slopes, and sun kissed beaches – all is here.

18th-century watermill with well-preserved machinery

The mill is a ‘living’ place where the graffitied, lime-washed walls and the ancient hessian sacks mingle with the smell of the timbers and tallow. A lucky survivor, it tells the story of the decline of traditional village work and life. 

Ancient woodland and chalk escarpment with fantastic views

The Sharpenhoe group of properties comprises four adjacent countryside areas to the north of Luton. These are (from west to east) Sundon Hills, Moleskin and Markham Hills, Sharpenhoe Clappers and Smithcombe Hills.

Sundon Hills has a lovely picnic area, which is located immediately adjacent to the car park; benches are provided or bring a blanket and sit on the grass.

The Engineering Education Scheme in England & Scotland is an EDT Programme which links teams of four Year 12 or S5/S6 students and their teacher with local companies to work on real, scientific, engineering and technological problems. 
 

For 350 years, Coombe Conduit formed part of a system which collected water from nearby springs and channelled it to Hampton Court Palace. One of three such conduits that supplied the palace, the remaining structure represents an intriguing survival of the ingenuous Tudor waterworks system.

Come and enjoy Spetchley, one of Britain's best kept secrets! Just three miles east of the beautiful cathedral city of Worcester and surrounded by glorious countryside, is the beautiful and romantic garden of Spetchley Park.

Arrow Valley Visitor Centre, recently refurbished to a very high standard, offers a conference facility and a large comfortable mezzanine area suitable for parties, meals, receptions and other informal functions.

The World's Largest Rotorcraft Museum

80 displayed aircraft, interactive zone & film theatre - plus regular events!

Collection includes two aircraft of the Queen's Royal Flight, the World Speed Record Holder G-Lynx, Russian Hind Gunship and the 'Huey' Bell UH-1H.

Copter Coffee Cafe, Gift Shop, Picnic Area & Free Car Parking On Site

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