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)
We deliver tailor-made programmes to Early Years, Key Stage 1 and 2 in our pond, meadow and woodland habitats. The Haven Plotland Museum provides pupils with a unique insight into home life in the past and during World War 2.
EYFS:
Exploring Senses, Pond Power, Go on a Bug Hunt, Teddy Bears Picnic, Natural Art
Key Stage 1:
Wide-ranging displays of aircraft, aviation archaeology and more from World War I to the Falklands and Iraq wars.
Explore London's connections with the rest of the world through an epic 2,000-year story of trade, expansion and immigration.
Life at Crich Tramway Village is rich and varied and is illustrated by the wide range of events and special occasions we hold throughout the year.
Our recreations of the 1940s and Edwardian Era all add their own unique atmosphere to Crich Tramway Village, as you are transported back in time.
Step back in time in and uncover a way of life from 100 years ago. Discover cottages, farms, schools and shops as you wander through the beautiful parkland of the Folk Museum chatting to costumed visitor guides demonstrating traditional crafts.
The Jodrell Bank Observatory is part of the University of Manchester's School of Physics and Astronomy. It is dominated by the monumental Lovell Telescope, the first large fully steerable radio telescope in the world - which still operates as the 3rd largest on the planet.
An inspiring, surprising, family-friendly, free attraction in South London’s Forest Hill.
Visit HMS Alliance, newly restored after a £7m refit and ready for patrol! Assault all of your sense by walking on board HMS Alliance, the only remaining WW2 era British ocean-going submarine.
Visit a thriving colony of grey seals that have been breeding on the Lincolnshire coast since the 1970s. A number of different habitats to explore and plenty of wildlife to discover.
Dartmouth Park is located next to West Bromwich Town Centre and Sandwell Valley Country Park. It is currently undergoing a £6 million restoration project that is supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund and BIG Lottery.
Situated in the stunning grounds of Bedford Park, boasting the main competition pool, the diving pool with varying high boards and a beginners' teaching pool.
Robinson Pool is Bedfordshire’s premier swimming facility; home to Bedford’s largest pool, and is situated in the stunning grounds of Bedford Park.
Lodmoor Country Park is just a 15 minute stroll from Weymouth Esplanade and through Greenhill Gardens.
You'll discover a host of independent attractions providing something of interest to entertain everyone. Access to most of the park is free and you can enjoy the numerous sport and recreation areas, wander around the footpaths and nature reserve or enjoy a picnic or barbecue.
Escape city life and step into tropical paradise of an aquarium in the heart of the buzzing city of Birmingham. At the National SEA LIFE centre you can take an amazing marine voyage beneath the waves and experience so much more!
Low Carbon Trust is a not-for-profit organisation that was formed in 2001 to set up, manage and promote environmental projects. Our main objective is tackling climate change through highlighting the connection between buildings, energy use and carbon emissions.
Set in the picturesque valley of the Porter Brook, Shepherd Wheel is a unique working example of Sheffield knife grinding industry.
It was one of many small water-powered grinding workshops along Sheffield's rivers and is the earliest complete example of this industry with evidence dating it back to the 1500s.
Located in one of the city’s oldest industrial districts, the museum stands on a man-made island over 900 years old.
Kelham Island Museum was opened in 1982 to house the objects, pictures and archive material representing Sheffield’s industrial story.
Bickleigh Castle is sure to cast its magical spell on you. With its romance, rich history and stunning setting it has become a unique venue.
There are a huge range of activities available both at the Castle itself or very nearby, including:
Discover the true spirit of the characters from South Molton's past, through the exhibits and interactive displays. The collections reflect the life and times of the town and the surrounding countryside. Local trades, agriculture and domestic history are also strongly featured.
A fascinating medieval cob house, containing a cross-passage screen decorated with a painting of St Andrew. See the smoke-blackened timbers. Discover the fascinating history behind the cottage and enjoy the garden with contemporary cob summer house.
Dartmouth Museum is a small, fascinating and interesting museum housed in an atmospheric old merchant's house, built in approximately 1640.
The Brixham Heritage Museum and History Society was founded in 1958 for the purpose of recording, saving and displaying the heritage of the historic town and fishing port.
Since 1976, the Museum has been located in what was once the Police Station and Sergeant's House, built 1902.
Opening in 1898, the Lynton & Barnstaple Railway in North Devon was considered one of the world's most famous and picturesque narrow-gauge railways. Despite its attraction, it closed in September 1935 because of declining passenger numbers.
The Society was formed in February 2000 to further understanding of the geology, occurrence and properties of the ball clays of Devon and Dorset and to preserve the history and heritage of clay production, transport and use.
Ranked among the finest in South West England, Torquay Museum is a journey of discovery for all ages. Experience the sights and sounds of country living as you walk through a reconstructed Devon farmhouse, wonder at the prehistoric artefacts excavated from nearby Kent's Cavern or become an explorer on our interactive trail.
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.