The York Environment Centre is managed by the Friends of St Nicholas Fields. We exist to promote sustainable living to people in York and the surrounding area. In 1994 we began work to transform this former landfill site into a Local Nature Reserve and the Environment Centre, which was completed in 2000.
Science
Science
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.
Venues with this Activity
A unique collection of vehicles from around the world. Over 400 amazing cars and bikes from nostalgic classics of the 50s and 60s, glorious Bentleys and Rolls Royces to exciting super cars of today, like the Jaguar XJ220.
Our Halls include:
Situated on a large inner city allotment site the Birmingham EcoPark is an environmental education centre which is owned and managed by the Wildlife Trust for Birmingham and the Black Country.
CAT is an education and visitor centre demonstrating practical solutions for sustainability. We cover all aspects of green living: environmental building, eco-sanitation, woodland management, renewable energy, energy efficiency and organic growing.
Lings Wood Environmental Centre is situated in Lings Local Nature Reserve, a magnificent, urban woodland covering over 22 hectares in the Eastern District of Northampton.
One of England's Finest Narrow-Guage Railways
The Leighton Buzzard Railway is one of the last survivors of the hundreds of 2 foot (610mm) gauge light railways built in Britain for industrial use. It is believed to be the only remaining line which owed its existence to the ready availability of surplus materials and equipment from the First World War battlefield supply lines.
In a beautiful valley of the river Frome, on the border between Wiltshire and Somerset and only nine miles from Bath, stands the remains of Farleigh Hungerford Castle.
Started in the 14th century, it still has much for visitors to enjoy and provides a great day out for families to enjoy the beautiful surrounding countryside.
A working steam museum where you can step back in time to the steam age. On steaming open days visitors can ride in vintage carriages pulled by a full sized steam engine and on our extensive miniature railway.
The lake railway uses miniature narrow gauge steam engines on its trains to give a scenic 3 mile return trip along the side of Rudyard Lake. Special family events at Bank holidays, children's parties and Santa trains in December.
So much more to see with our spectacular views
The London Eye is a giant Ferris wheel on the South Bank of the river Thames in London. It is 135 metres (443 ft) tall and has a diameter of 120 metres (394 ft). It is currently Europe's tallest Ferris wheel, and offered the highest public viewing point in London until it was superseded by the 245-metre (804 ft) observation deck on the 72nd floor of the Shard.
The Findhorn Foundation has been promoting principles of sustainable development since its creation in 1962. Located on the North East coast of Scotland on two main sites near to and within the town of Forres, Findhorn began with a small community of 3 adults and their children.
Kids love a day out on a steam train.
The Swindon & Cricklade Railway re-creates the kind of railway that today's children may only have been told about by their fathers and grandfathers.
The Hockerton Housing Project is the UK's first earth sheltered, self-sufficient ecological housing development. Since the completion of the houses in 1998 Hockerton Housing Project has established itself as an exemplar of sustainable development locally and nationally.
A beautifully crafted museum where the static steam engines that used to power so many aspects of our lives are treasured and brought back to working life through an extraordinary system of steam pipes running throughout the complex of engine sheds.
When in full public service, the railway will operate a circular tour with optional change at picnic station for trains to Far Leys car park.
The Royal Air Force Museum in Cosford offers a fun, entertaining day out for all the entire family. Situated next to an active airfield, this is the only place in the Midlands where you can get close to so many breathtaking aircraft for free.
The UK's largest volunteer-managed aviation museum with 75 aircraft and cockpit sections from across the history of aviation. 2 large Display Hangars housing more than 50 airframes; engine / artefacts displays; cafe and large shop. Regular special events and education programmes available.
Education Provision - Building for the Future
Well kept parkland with play centre, light railway, splash pool, pitch and putt golf, stunning horticultural displays, a fishing lake and football pitches.
This scenic park has over 207 acres of parkland and is one of Derby's largest parks attracting over one million visitors a year making it one of the most popular parks in the East Midlands.
Fun packed indoor museum covering motoring right through the 20th Century. Brum lives here and this is where he was filmed. He loves having his photo taken so don't forget your camera! Throughout the museum there are quizzes, feely boxes, building games, brass rubbings, old fashioned toys and dressing-up.
A seven mile train journey on a steam engine: great for a family day out with the kids, especially train mad ones!!
The line currently runs over a 3 and a half mile stretch along the foot of the Chiltern Hills running parallel to the Icknield Way, passing through attractive countryside with some outstanding views across the Vale of Whiteleaf.
Founded in 1786 this restored cotton mill - now a UNESCO World Heritage Site - was powered by the river Clyde and is situated close to the Falls of Clyde.
Inspiring Future Engineers and Scientists
The EDT is the largest provider of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) enrichment activities for the UK youth.
Our range of work related learning schemes provide opportunities for 11-21 year olds to enhance their technical, personal and employability skills through industry-led projects, industrial placements and specialised courses.
The Denny Tank is located in West Dunbartonshire, in the town of Dumbarton on the River Clyde, close to Dumbarton Castle. It was built by the Denny family, Victorian shipbuilders and designers, famous for their work on the Cutty Sark and inventors of the Denny helicopter and Denny hovercraft.
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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.
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