The centre is superbly appointed, set in a spectacular location offering a broad programme of activities for students and staff at the University of Edinburgh. Firbush is also available to non-University groups and individuals.
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
MOVING PEOPLE ON THEIR LEARNING JOURNEY USING THE OUTDOORS
Beyond Adventure is a specialist outdoor company, based in Aberfeldy, Scotland, providing tailor-made experiences of the wilderness environment. Our particular specialities are open canoeing and tailor made multi-activity residentials for groups in Scotland, Europe and North America.
Welcome to Dick Whittington Farm Park
My farm is full of interesting animals, fascinating wildlife and exciting activities! Visit the pets corner and help my farm hands feed the animals or, if you like running around, check out the indoor or outdoor play areas. Kids will have hours of fun in our very large heated Play Barn.
Feed the farm animals, see the miniature Shetland ponies, picnic area and welly walks, zip wire and adventure play fort and dressing up in the manor house. Indoor soft play, cafe and farm shop. Family fun at Oxfordshire Cotswolds historic Witney farmstead.
A sanctuary caring for over 30 donkeys, plus 2 zeedonks, horses, and shetland ponies. There are also ducks and chickens to meet. Free to visit. Carrots available to feed to the animals.
Radcliffe Donkey Sanctuary is a lovely place to take the kids to meet a load of donkeys, each with their own unique personalities and stories.
Satrosphere aims to inspire the scientists of tomorrow and to spark renewed interest in university science courses, currently in decline.
Satrosphere was Scotland's first Science Centre. It contains exhibits which are aimed mainly at younger children. It attracts primary school groups around the year and its exhibits are 'hands on' so that everything can be played with and examined.
The National Forest Adventure Farm offers exciting indoor fun, outdoor adventure and farm animal experiences.
And in 2014 we became World Record Breakers - by making over 3,300 scarecrows!
Learning is why Dundee Science Centre exists. Learning enriches lives: it gives challenge, enjoyment, and new experiences, and widens opportunity. It helps us become responsible citizens and fulfilled individuals.
Our range of programmes support learning from birth to adulthood, with specific support for Curriculum for Excellence.
The Cambridge Centre for Computing History was established as an educational charity to tell the story of the Information Age through exploring the historical, social and cultural impact of developments in personal computing.
The Museum of Computing is devoted to the history of computing and digital development.
It was the first physical museum of its kind in the UK dedicated to the history of computing.
At the heart of Lydiard Park is Lydiard House – a striking Grade I listed Palladian house that for 500 years was home to the St John family. The ground floor state apartments of Lydiard House have been beautifully restored and are open to visitors all year round to view the ornate plasterwork and original family furnishings displayed alongside portraits and photographs of the St John family.
The Scottish holiday home to the Royal Family
Set amongst the magnificent scenery of Royal Deeside, in the shadows of Lochnagar is the Balmoral Estate.
In her journals Queen Victoria described Balmoral as "my dear paradise in the Highlands" - we hope you will feel the same way about Balmoral once you have visited this most special place.
Join us for a great family day out in the stunning surroundings of Loch Creran. Visit the Scottish SEA LIFE Sanctuary, home to a spectacular aquarium as well as Scotland's leading Seal Hospital.
The Downpatrick and County Down Railway runs through the drumlin countryside of County Down - St. Patrick's Country - over the River Quoile and under the graceful Down Cathedral. With a mix of steam and diesel trains, and vintage carriages, there's plenty for train fans of all ages - from wee kids to "big kids".
All day adventures - play in the pedal tractor yard, giant bale climb, indoor play areas and adventure playground.
Something for everyone...
Enjoy a great day out at Trentham. Visit the award-winning Trentham Gardens, for shopping and eating out, peace and quiet, fun and action!
Spend the day exploring Brocks Hill Country Park. The children will love playing in sandpits, climbing castles and whizzing down the the large 'wiggly' slide! Take a walk around the park and stop off and enjoy a picnic.
Environment Centre
Hill Holt Wood is a 14 hectare sustainably managed ancient woodland situated on the Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire border. It's a wonderful and enriching place to visit with facilities ranging from permaculture gardens, environmental sculpture, woodland walks, computer facilities, workshops and composting loos!
Ride our extensive twin track Miniature Railway supporting all gauges and boasting a fleet of cute miniature locomotives! Broomy Hill Station has a great hands on railway for the kids to play with and a museum too.
Entirely hand built by a local society since 1962, the Broomy Hill Miniature Railway is a charming treat for your little trainspotters, provided you can find an open day!
Iron Age hill fort with far-reaching views and spectacular wildflowers
Hambledon Hill is one of the most iconic sites in Dorset, rising steeply to 190 metres above the Blackmore Vale and the river Stour with fantastic views into the neighbouring counties of Wiltshire and Somerset. The site is of exceptional archaeological and ecological value and provides important accesss opportunities as well as being of nationally important landscape value.
Local people see the shape of a sleeping dragon in Earl’s Hill and fiery its beginnings certainly were. This distinctive, humped hill roared forth from a volcano some 650 million years ago. An Iron Age hill fort was built on its lofty summit around 600 BC and if you can manage the very steep climb you will be rewarded with spectacular views.
There are many elements that make Glasgow Science Centre one of Scotland’s must-see visitor attractions.
A hugely interactive Science Hall
Visit this 'tower' mill and discover how the windmill works.
The Windmill is currently closed for restoration.
Please join us in November for our grand re-opening and our 200th birthday celebrations.
Danebury Iron Age hill fort is in Hampshire, north west of Stockbridge and close to Nether Wallop.
Our historic lighthouse is more than 250 years old and is one of the city's landmark buildings. Climb the 93 steps to the top and enjoy panoramic views of Plymouth and beyond.
A centrepiece on Plymouth's Hoe, Smeaton's Tower has become one of the South West's most well known landmarks.
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