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:
Association for Science Education
Membership through Handsam
Radiation Protection Officer services through Handsam
Inclusion: NASEN
Thought of visiting?
Centre for Alternative Technology
Michael Faraday Museum, London
National Conservation Centre, Liverpool
Museum of Science and Industry, Manchester
Techniquest (various locations in Wales including Cardiff, Wrexham and Pembrokeshire)
Also known as the "Poppy Line", the North Norfolk Line is a preserved steam railway connecting the town of Sheringham to the picturesque Georgian town of Holt.
The North Norfolk Railway offers far more than just a train ride, experience yesterday tomorrow with a day out travelling through some of Norfolk’s stunning coastal countryside.
Welcome to the only waterside museum of Broadland life in a tranquil and picturesque location at Stalham Staithe.
NWT Ranworth Broad is a fantastic place to bring your children, suiting smaller groups especially well. Situated only 20 minutes outside Norwich, Ranworth contains a wide range of habitats and a fantastic variety of wildlife, all to be seen from 750m of boardwalk. Find our floating visitor centre, nestled in reeds, with amazing views out across the open water at the end.
Over a dozen complete aircraft are on display ranging from the tiny wooden Evans VP-2 all the way up to a huge Vulcan B.2 and the Nimrod MR2.
Displays showcase East Anglia’s rich aviation history taking in RAF and USAAF bases in World War II, helicopters, uniforms, link trainers and the search and rescue service.
Explore NWT Holme Dunes (5 miles from Hunstanton) with your group. There are a range of coastal habitats including sand dunes, freshwater pools, grazing marsh and saltmarsh and much of the site consists of natural habitats maintained largely by coastal processes.
We are sorry to announce that the Museum of Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust will be closing permanently on 31 March 2014.
The archive service will continue to be available to researchers by appointment, although availability may be limited during April 2014.
The Cabaret Mechanical Theatre is a collection of contemporary automata, which is a kind of mechanical sculpture. Nearly all of the work in the collection is humorous.
Part of the collection is currently in a special exhibition at the American Visionary Arts Museum in Baltimore.
The BDA Dental Museum is the place to find out about the history of dental care and dentists in the UK. With over 20,000 items the museum has the largest collection of material relating to the history of dentistry in the UK, from its time as a marketplace spectacle to the complex procedures and treatment of today.
The British Optical Association Museum was founded by John H. Sutcliffe OBE in 1901 as a collection of historic spectacles and visual aids designed to illustrate the development of corrective eyewear.
Come to Kew and explore the world’s most famous botanic garden. Just 30 minutes from central London, Kew Gardens boasts breathtaking landscapes, iconic glasshouses, historic buildings and rare and beautiful plants. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Immerse yourself in 1930s Art Deco decadence at Eltham Palace, one of the most enchanting visitor attractions in London. Built by the wealthy Courtauld family next to the remains of Eltham Palace, childhood home of Henry VIII, it’s among the finest examples of Art Deco architecture in England.
FSC London is the FSC's 17th Centre and its first inner-city centre, opening on 1st January 2011.
The Centre uses the evolving and vibrant mix of buildings, spaces and parks around London to inspire and educate.
Wild, open Goatfell, at 874m (2,866ft), is the highest peak on Arran. Walkers and mountaineers who venture into this dramatic and challenging upland landscape are rewarded with spectacular views of the island and, on a clear day, across to Ben Lomond, Jura and the coast of Ireland.
Be wowed by the Tudor Great Hall with its fantastic furniture, arms, armour, tapestries and the carved oak screen, a rare survivor from the 1500s. History springs to life in the Hesketh's dining room, its food-laden table, lit candles and 'fire in the hearth' waiting to welcome the family's dinner guests.
Sherwood Forest offers an array of activities to complete your family break. Visit the Nature Centre for a wealth of information about the wildlife on our Village or laze around on a pedalo overlooking the lake and the beautiful forest. There are a great selection of shops to explore and all the family favourite restaurants for all your dining needs.
Let your imagination run riot among the unusual plants, colours, sculptures and magical features in one of the most beautiful gardens in Northern Ireland.
At just 1,049 feet (320 m) high, Roseberry Topping may not be the biggest hill you'll ever see, but it will certainly be one of the most distinctive. Its shape, caused by the combination of a geological fault and a mining collapse in 1912 has made the hill the most beloved landmark in the Tees Valley area.
BHS approved lessons from toddler upward; plus Pony Mornings, Days, Weeks and Camps; and Tots' Trots.
BHS approved Cloud Stables offer a variety of well mannered mounts for lessons, which are available from toddler upwards.
Museum of local aviation history with much for the interested eye to feast on. Possibly best indulged on the same day as other attractions for a FULL day out.
A long distance path giving a circular tour around the county. Along the way are pretty rural churches, castle ruins and other historic features to discover and explore.
Grab your wellies, for an unforgettable learning experience outdoors designed to support your teaching and learning in school.
Slimbridge Wetland Centre is an unforgettable day out for groups – it’s the wetland that inspired Sir Peter Scott to found WWT in 1946. When your group visits, you will see why.
Since the decline of the gardens from the 1940s onward; various restoration phases have been undertaken, including the many heritage structures.
Phoenix Scalextric Circuit is based near Studley Warwickshire and enjoys a beautiful countryside location. The track is 150 feet long with fully computerised race management and awesome scenic accessories. We offer friendly and competitive Scalextric racing in an enjoyable atmosphere with experienced personnel to make your event a very special occasion.
The park is located half a mile from Bilston Town Centre. The park opened in 1911 as a memorial to Sir Alfred Hickman, a local industrialist and former MP.
The Bushcraft Company offer residential school trips with a difference, taking students into the wild and giving them real back-to-nature experiences they will never forget.
A 15-year-old boy fell 60ft over the edge of a cliff whilst on a geography school trip, miraculously only suffering minor injuries.