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 [email protected].

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 spectacular stretch of coastline boasting dramatic cliffs

A great beach, and more: some of the best rock pools in the country, good surfing, masses of wildlife and views of the distinctive island - the Great Mewstone. Wembury is a great starting point for lovely inland and coastal walks to Wembury Woods and the Yealm Estuary, and around Wembury Point. Finish your trip with a slice of Gemma and Jennifer's home-made cake in the Old Mill Café.

THE MUSEUM IS NOW CLOSED.

Dedicated to the industrial, social & family history of Pinxton and South Normanton, and particularly John King & his invention of the mines cage safety detaching hook. The museum keeps records of any historic event, news papers, old photos and mining memorabilia.

personal - tailored - ethical - reasonable - educational - travel

Glo-Ed was created in 2017 by senior management from the educational travel industries & senior teachers from school, who shared a passion for education beyond the classroom, personal service and social responsibility.

Uncover a world of chocolate delights

With over 25 years' experience and more than 2,000 school groups attending each year, Cadbury World offers a unique experience that gives fascinating insight into the rich heritage of the nation's favourite chocolate brand.

Hasty’s Adventure Park occupies five hectares of agricultural and grassland by Clacton Airfield.

Are you ready to Safari and come face to face with some of the fastest, tallest, largest and cutest animals around?... 

Then welcome to West Midland Safari Park, voted 'Most popular tourist attraction in the West Midlands' by children and parents from the region. 

Children’s author Michael Morpugo and his wife Clare founded Farms for City Children in 1976. The charity now owns three farms in the west country of which Wick Court is one. We welcome around 3,200 children and 400 teachers a year.

Children’s author Michael Morpugo and his wife Clare founded Farms for City Children in 1976. The charity now owns three farms in the west country of which Wick Court is one. We welcome around 3,200 children and 400 teachers a year.

Nethercott House is a traditional mixed dairy, beef and sheep farm in the heart of Devon..

Children’s author Michael Morpugo and his wife Clare founded Farms for City Children in 1976. The charity now owns three farms in the west country of which Wick Court is one. We welcome around 3,200 children and 400 teachers a year.

Wick Court is a small-scale traditional livestock farm, with sheep, beef cattle, pigs and poultry.

Middle East’s Leading Tourist Attraction

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi was created in tribute to Ferrari’s passion, heritage, excellence, innovation and performance. Each area and attraction in the Park brings to life a different part of the Ferrari story, from Cinema Maranello with its film about Enzo Ferrari to Formula Rossa capturing the speed, power and freedom of a F1™ car.

School of Chemistry - University of Bristol

Bristol ChemLabS (Bristol Chemical Laboratory Sciences) is a Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning. Here at Bristol we know that chemistry is an exciting, evolving

The Discovery Barn

As one of the best family attractions in Essex there’s so much to do here at Barleylands Farm Park, Billericay whatever the weather. We’ve farmyard friends with daily animal activities including lamb bottle feeding, a huge Reptile House and awesome birds of prey. Race around the indoor play, and go wild in the outdoor play areas bouncing on our vast jumping pillow… boiiing!

Norton Conyers is a late medieval manor house with Stuart and Georgian additions.

The UK's national synchrotron science facility

Diamond Light Source is the UK’s synchrotron. It works like a giant microscope, harnessing the power of electrons to produce bright light that scientists can use to study anything from fossils to jet engines to viruses and vaccines.

Two Kings, One Day

Visit the location of the Battle of Bosworth. Re-live this famous turning point in British history - the death of a King and the birth of the all powerful Tudor dynasty!

Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre tells the dramatic story of the Battle of Bosworth on 22nd August 1485, which marked a major turning point in English history.

Brunel's SS Great Britain is one of the most important historic ships in the world. When she was launched in 1843 she was called the 'Greatest Experiment since the Creation'. It was the first modern ship, with an iron hull - a revolution in design. People could barely understand how she could float.

Award-winning, tailor-made school trips and resources

Established in 1983, Discover the World's specialist study trips programme provides tailor-made educational travel, whether for field study or quite simply through ‘awe and wonder’. 

A dedicated schools travel team offer first-hand destination knowledge and the highest levels of customer service - 99% of school trip organisers rated us 'good' or 'excellent' in 2013.  

The museum is located in a former sail loft and is part of the Nottage Maritime Institute which aims to improve nautical, sailing and navigation skills. There is a fine collection of paintings, personal possessions, photographs and models all with local connections to the River Colne and its fishing, yachting and boat-building heritage.

Housed in the Low Lighthouse, an 1818 construction with commanding views over the harbour and its unending movements, Harwich's Maritime Museum reveals the town's vast maritime history.

Box Hill, North Downs

Juniper Hall is an amazing location for fieldwork, set in a quiet wooded valley in an unspoilt area of the chalk North Downs at the edge of Box Hill (less than 10 minutes from the M25). 

South Devon Coast

Start Bay Centre is located above Slapton with stunning views across the Start Bay Coast. Each group has exclusive use of the converted old school. The recently refurbished Centre provides comfortable facilities with a friendly atmosphere. An enclosed garden includes a low ropes course, BBQ area and campfire circle.

Explore Constable Country

Flatford lies in the heart of the beautiful Dedham Vale.

Dale is the sunniest place in Wales and averages in excess of 1,800 hours of sun shine a year. It is a perfect location for a field trip. It is surprisingly accessible and once here you'll appreciate its fantastic setting.

South Devon Coast

The Centre is located on the Start Bay coast and surrounded by Slapton Ley National Nature Reserve. The Ley is the largest natural freshwater lake in the South West. It is separated from the sea by Slapton Sands (a barrier beach and shingle ridge). The surrounding coastline, nearby coastal towns and Dartmoor National Park provide unrivalled opportunities for field courses.

Kindrogan

FSC Kindrogan is set in wooded grounds on the banks of the River Ardle, and is a gateway to the picturesque Scottish Highlands. It lies within easy reach of some of the remotest areas of the UK with inspiring landforms and rich range of wildlife habitats but is just one and a half hours travel from Glasgow or Edinburgh.

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