What is it?
The word science comes from the Latin term "scientia" meaning knowledge, which reasonably accurately sums up what it's all about; the modern definition of scientific practice is the organisation and understanding of knowledge to form reasonable explanations about the universe.
What does it involve?
Science can be applied to almost anything in the world, so involves a great variety of things! In general, science concerns itself with understand the way things work, and how they came to be in the first place. Learning about science often includes experiments and demonstrations that help you to understand the ideas that are being presented to you e.g. putting dirty pennies into an acidic solution to demonstrate the chemical reaction between the acid and the copper of the pennies.
Why do it and what are the benefits?
Having an understanding of science has many benefits! It encourages students to be curious about the world around them, and develops patience, communication and perseverance. Scientific study is also good for encouraging students to form their own opinions about things after thorough research instead of taking things at face value; it's great for sparking off independent thought.
What equipment do we need?
Equipment needs will depend entirely on the activity! Chemistry will require a fair bit of apparatus, but science is by no means limited to classroom chemical reactions. Simple activities such as going outside and learning about the flowers and insects is science, and requires no equipment at all! If you are unsure what you may need to provide for any given trip, contact the venue ahead of time and make enquiries!
Who is it suitable for?
Science is a great activity for those of all ages! The sheer variety of subjects that can include science guarantees that everybody will be interested somehow, and the complexity of the information can be adjusted for different age groups' level of understanding.
Costs?
This will depend entirely on the type of activity. Some venues may have free access to their facilities but charge for time spent with an instructor, and others may charge you one entry fee and then free access to everything available inside. You will need to check out what sort of things are available in your area to get an idea of what costs will apply to what activities.
Issues/Things to think about? (unsuitable for age groups, medical conditions etc)
If the activity involves chemicals or similar substances, you must exercise extreme caution with young children! If you are not confident in the safety of your students then you may wish to adjust the activity or increase the supervision!
How do we include?
The easiness of including those with disabilities will heavily depend on the type of activity - the best thing to do would be to consult the venue ahead of time with the details of your students and see what their set up is.
Doing it abroad?
Science is present all over the world! There are likely to be fun scientific activities wherever you go, especially if a venue caters for school groups - do some research ahead of time to see what's available at your destination.
Main website:
Check out specific venue websites for activity information.
Fyne Court was once a formal garden based on the Arcadian design. Over time the garden became wilder!
Bird adventure trail, Teddy Bear's Picnic, Living things and their habitats, Nature sensory explorers, Orchards (food and farming), Marvellous Meadows, Seasonal investigation, Seasonal crafts
A short stroll from the charming village of Gleno, steps and paths wind around a small glen with one of the most picturesque waterfalls in Northern Ireland.
Don't miss this favourite photographic location with visitors coming from near and far.
Visit our working arable farm to learn about food production and sustainable farming methods to help our farmland wildlife. Find different habitats and understand the effects of breaching the sea wall and the salt marsh created.
Adapted for KS1-4:
FARMING AND WILDLIFE...
Chafford Gorges Nature Park offers a variety of activities for schools and nurseries. Topics covered: Habitats Studies, Ponds, Bugs, Plants, Rock and Soils, Bush craft and Den-building, Birdwatching. We have an on-site classroom, toilets, gift shop and more.
EYFS:
Exploring Senses, Pond Power, Go on a Bug Hunt, Teddy Bears Picnic, Natural Art
Enjoy the splash of the waterwheel and the sound and smell of grinding corn in this picturesque 19th-century working mill. There is an exhibition on the historical role of the mill and a delightful walkway alongside the mill lade. Schools are welcome by prior appointment. Please allow a minimum of 1 hour for a guided tour which will include a milling demonstration.
Linton Zoo has evolved out of our family's love, interest and concern for the wildlife of the world.
Marvel at plants from all over the world grown from seed and cuttings collected over a century ago on plant-hunting expeditions. Created by five generations of one family, this 32-hectare (80-acre) garden is superbly located, with spectacular views across Snowdonia.
Marley Common in West Sussex, is a mixed broadleaf woodland and open heath. It's one of our oldest countryside acquisitions, having its centenary in 2011.
Near the banks of Loch Fyne, on the west coast, immerse yourself in Britain's finest example of an exotic Himalayan-style woodland garden.
Crarae Garden is a tranquil site, with its dramatic gorge, rippling burn, waterfalls and cliffs. The informal hillside layout of mature woody plants radiating out from the burn creates a wonderful natural effect.
Science Oxford's mission is: To encourage the pursuit of science and enterprise, with the long term vision of: Making connections between science, enterprise and society.
Science Oxford was founded in 1985 as The Oxford Trust by Sir Martin and Lady Audrey Wood.
Located on the shores of Upper Lough Erne, Crom is one of the most romantic and peaceful places in Northern Ireland. This 2,000 acre demesne is surrounded by tranquil islands and ancient woodlands.
One of Ireland's most important conservation areas, Crom is home to a wealth of wildlife. Discover it whether you are fishing, woodland walking, butterfly spotting or bird watching.
For its sheer diversity of landscape, this relatively small stretch of Cornwall's north coast is hard to beat. Only a stone's throw from the popular seaside resort of Newquay, Holywell to Crantock offers you a haven of beaches, common land and coastline to explore.
Exposed rocky headlands sit alongside spectacular sandy beaches, perfect for surfing or making sandcastles.
Abbey Park lies approximately one mile north of the City centre. The River Soar divides this beautiful park into two distinct areas: to the east of the river lies the highly decorative Victorian part of the park with its evergreen shrubberies, trees, lakes and formally planted flower displays.
Occupying a prominent position on three spurs on the Cotswold escarpment, there are views across the Severn estuary towards the Forest of Dean and Brecon Beacons. With its dramatic topography, intimate woodlands, extensive grasslands and exposed and wild promontory hill fort the estate offers a variety of contrasting experiences.
Get back to nature at this reserve, with over 1000 species recorded, there is always something to see. Free to visit.
College Lake Nature Reserve is thought of as one of the best places in Buckinghamshire to see water birds such as lapwings and redshanks.
There are a number of hides that overlook the lake and give you a great place to birdwatch.
Discover the rainforest's wonders as you stroll between tropical trees and plants, among free roaming butterflies and birds. An outdoor play area allows kids to let off steam, while adults can relax on the sun terrace with a cappuccino. All weather attraction with on site parking, cafe and shop.
Under leaden skies with a face full of wind there's nowhere like Copt Hall for refreshing the mind and blowing away the cobwebs.
Polkemmet Country Park is a beautiful 68-hectare park in the heart of Scotland's Lothian region. The Park offers beautiful woodland and riverside walks, play area and picnic areas with seating.
You can walk, cycle, play in our 'miner's play area', go horse riding or orienteering, play golf and end the day by hiring a BBQ to cook a tasty meal.
Faskally Wood is an extensive woodland area within Tay Forest Park on the banks of Loch Dunmore, approximately one mile north west of Pitlochry.
Built in 1701 by Thomas Vernon, a lawyer and whig MP for Worcester, Hanbury Hall is a beautiful country house.
Explore the evolution of the English garden and take a stroll through three centuries of landscape design at Wrest Park.
From dazzling parterres and fragrant borders, to sweeping landscapes and woodland walks – Wrest Park is a real treat for the senses. Explore over 90 acres showcasing French, Dutch, Italian and English styles side by side.
Offering a weird and exciting mix of public aquarium plus thermal carp pool, creepy petrifying well, shiny gemstone and fossil display, vintage chinaware collection, regional history exhibition and one of the largest public displays of Holograms in Europe!
The Thermal Pool is fed by a warm spring and illuminated at night, containing plentiful common carp, mirror carp and koi.
The Wash is the largest estuary and the most important wetland site in the UK. The south east corner of the Wash forms the largest National Nature Reserve in England.
The Reserve covers 369 acres of the Meon Valley, encompassing a mosaic of natural habitats. River, fen, pools, reedbed and meadow are carefully managed, giving protection to a range of special wildlife.
Educational Visits
Jimmy’s Farm caters to large or small groups seeking education and/or adventure!
We offer formally structured courses for children and young people…
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.