At the top of the park stand the imposing remains of Lowther Castle and its hidden Gardens.
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:
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)
Venues for this Curriculum
At the heart of our cultural learning offer is access to excellence for everyone across all of the WAVE venues.
Fun and boats galore at the heart of Gloucester's historic docks
Delve into the fascinating world of Gloucester's Victorian docks at this museum and meet the people and wildlife of our wonderful waterways. Discover impressive facts about the ingenious engineering of the waterway system and explore home life aboard a narrow boat.
IWM Duxford is Britain’s best-preserved Second World War airfield, with a fascinating history that dates back to the First World War. Its story reflects the landmark achievements made in aviation history.
A large Wildlife Haven and habitat creation project and steam engines in the process of restoration.
For children of all ages we have a 140-tonne Danish Pacific 996 steam engine in the process of restoration, RTV-31 the worlds first 100MPH hover train, a large garden railway, an amazing 7 track OO gauge model railway and other smaller interactive model railways to enjoy.
Built by William the Conqueror, Rockingham was a royal fortress for 450 years. Home to the Saunders Watson family. Set in a panoramic location with views over five counties, the Castle has magnificently furnished rooms of several periods, and is surrounded by 18 acres of superbly contrasting gardens including a beautiful Room Garden created by Chelsea Gold Medal Winner Robert Myers.
Do you love donkeys? We most certainly do at Redwings Caldecott!
We have afternoon donkey talks where you can learn all about these adorable equines and the specialist care they require, as well as watch them enjoy some very special treats – yep, you’ve guessed it, ginger biscuits!
Natural History - Heritage - Living Voices
A unique museum in a row of extraordinary 15th century timber framed buildings. Explore the countryside with our natural history collection and come face to face with some of the country’s most secretive animals. Be inspired by the writings of John Moore, a renowned conservationist, and enjoy the seclusion of the Secret Garden.
A superbly restored 17th century building - once a hat shop, is home to the innovative heritage centre in the heart of Tewkesbury. A wander through this charming building will take you from Tewkesbury’s earliest settlers, through the Wars of the Roses, the Civil War and the industrial revolution and into the present day. Tewkesbury Tourist Information Centre is on the ground floor.
Beautiful sandstone headland renowned for its eighth-century chapel and rock hewn graves; a wonderful urban green space
This sandstone headland, south of Morecambe and north of Heysham port, rises majestically above the sea. See the remains of St Patrick's Chapel, built in the early Medieval period and now a Scheduled Ancient Monument. The eight body-shaped, rock-cut graves here are believed to be unique.
Combine an educational day out with a fun-filled trip to Gulliver’s World Theme Park!
Who says learning can’t be fun? We have put together some brilliant education packs that will show you how to create a fantastic educational experience at Gulliver's.
Take the lesson out of the classroom and onto the theme park. We have topics and ideas that will really engage your group.
Over 40 different activities from Tree Trekking to Tarzan swings.
Schools, Groups and Corporate Bookings
In the heart of Rob Hood country, take a walk to the mighty Major Oak, pick up a fun family nature trail, try the playground or just stand and admire the weird and wonderful shapes of the ancient oak trees, twisted by age and weathered into living sculptures.
Highlights include Grotto Hill, where you can explore a pitch-dark labyrinth of ancient mines cut into the cliff; the Swiss Bridge, a rustic wooden structure perched over an unnervingly deep chasm; the Cleft, a path winding between two cliffs which narrows into a dark, creepy tunnel; and the Monument, a 100ft high column which can be climbed to enjoy panoramic views of up to 13 counties!
Boasting boating lake, miniature railway, huge adventure playground, cricket facilities and plenty of open space for traditional family games.
Lakes formed from the flooding of a disused gravel pit, surrounded by woodland, wetland and meadow that supports a wide range of wildlife, with one mile surfaced path around the lake.
Local groups include model boating and angling regularly use this site. The site is managed for recreation and conservation by East Staffordshire Borough Council.
Immerse yourself in the world famous story of Irish emigration at the museum that brings it to life. Follow the emigrant trail as you journey from the thatched cottages of Ulster, on board a full scale emigrant sailing ship leading to the log cabins of the American Frontier. Meet an array of costumed characters on your way with traditional crafts to show, tales to tell and food to share.
Loads to do including milking, lamb feeding, pony grooming, and cart rides. Huge indoor play arena with toy tractor circuit and bouncy castles. Vintage Garage and Welsh Guards Museum. Exciting extras: Junior Driving School and quad bikes. Great Tearooms and picnic areas.
The Ecos Millennium Environmental Centre is a unique project in Ireland that opened on 7th August 2000. Ecos is set in a 150-acre Country Park, which has been created from previously disused land that is the River Braid flood plain.
Carsington Water is a popular visitor attraction located a short distance from the Peak District National Park in Derbyshire.
When in Norfolk come and spend the day, not a fortune, at Pettitts Animal Adventure Park, Reedham.
There are rides galore for young children, family entertainment, exotic and domestic animals and birds to see as well as animals to feed and pet.
Monikie Country Park, with its reservoirs, woodland and parkland, is an ideal location for a school visit to the countryside. The scenic surroundings offer many opportunities to enjoy the outdoors at any time of the year.
Situated in heart of the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Bewerley Park Centre is ideally located. We have been providing high quality outdoor learning, using real outdoor activities in the natural environment, for over 70 years.
A family operated children's fair located in Sherwood Country Park with plenty for the small and mid range kids to play on from the caterpillar roller coaster and the ghost train to the classic tea cup ride and big slide.
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