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

Rugged coastline and heather moorland steeped in Celtic history

St David's Head is a dramatic headland northwest of St David's and Whitesands beach dominated by the peak of Carn Llidi. Super for sea views and circular coastal walks.

Breathtaking coast, rich in heritage and wildlife

A vast low tide beach and a sea of glowing heather make it hard to believe this area was once an industrial landscape. The enigmatic buildings perched on the cliffs provide a reminder of St Agnes’ tin and copper mining past.

The first lighthouse to use an electric light

A landmark of the White Cliffs, the Victorian lighthouse was built to warn mariners of shifting sands and guide them through the Strait of Dover. A place of innovation and science, the lighthouse was the first to display an electric light anywhere in the world.

When you visit the railway you can enjoy a unique train ride through dramatic limestone scenery, discover fossils and wild flowers, learn about the railway and stare at the vintage rolling stock!

Open all year, Monday - Sunday. Dolwyddelan, built by Llywelyn Fawr, along with nearby Dolbadarn and Prysor, formed a collection of strategically important mountain fortresses for the Welsh ruler.

A chance to experience what war was like over the last three hundred years for soldiers and their families. A fun way to show history to your students.

Welcome race fans

From old skool nostalgia drag weekends to today's ultra modern modified car and motorcycle scene we'll give you the very best drag racing experience Warwickshire's Shakespeare County Raceway has to offer whatever your age. Recession what recession!

Discover the magnificent beech woods and flower-filled meadows that inspired Gilbert White

We protect 267 acres of countryside around Selborne. The largest area, Selborne Common, lies on the hill to the west of the village, while the valley meadows and woodlands of the Lythes lie beyond St Marys Church to the east.

The Engineering Education Scheme in England & Scotland is an EDT Programme which links teams of four Year 12 or S5/S6 students and their teacher with local companies to work on real, scientific, engineering and technological problems. 
 

For 350 years, Coombe Conduit formed part of a system which collected water from nearby springs and channelled it to Hampton Court Palace. One of three such conduits that supplied the palace, the remaining structure represents an intriguing survival of the ingenuous Tudor waterworks system.

The World's Largest Rotorcraft Museum

80 displayed aircraft, interactive zone & film theatre - plus regular events!

Collection includes two aircraft of the Queen's Royal Flight, the World Speed Record Holder G-Lynx, Russian Hind Gunship and the 'Huey' Bell UH-1H.

Copter Coffee Cafe, Gift Shop, Picnic Area & Free Car Parking On Site

A PAULTON'S VISIT INCLUDES…

  • The chance to visit our brand-new interactive lab
  • 60+ theme park rides and attractions
  • A choice of curriculum based workshops
  • Explore gardens, birds and animals
  • Free downloadable resources
Welcome to Ireland's leading centre for Astonomical Education

Armagh Planetarium was established by the seventh director of Armagh Observatory, Dr. Eric Mervyn Lindsay, who, after 25 years of effort, secured funding from local councils and the Ministry of Commerce of Northern Ireland in 1965. In the same year, Patrick Moore was appointed as Director of the Planetarium to oversee its construction.

Flame gasworks is Ireland's sole surviving coal gasworks and is one of only three left in the British Isles. Opened in 1855, it supplied Carrickfergus with gas until 1965 and was closed in 1987. It is now fully restored and was reopened as a visitor and educational attraction in August 2002.

The RPSI is an all-island body, run by volunteers, which preserves steam and diesel powered railway locomotives, carriages and other equipment from all over Ireland and uses them for passenger excursions on the Irish railway network. RPSI steam trains carry passengers to places as far apart as Portrush and Tralee, Rosslare and Bangor.

St Peter's Garden Centre is a family run garden centre offering the very best quality plants, indoor and outdoor goods, gardening equipment and a very high quality range of garden furniture and BBQ's. We pride ourselves on our high standards of customer service and have an excellent team of qualified staff providing gardening advice.

Combine an educational day out with a fun-filled trip to Gulliver’s World Theme Park!

Who says learning can’t be fun? We have put together some brilliant education packs that will show you how to create a fantastic educational experience at Gulliver's.

Take the lesson out of the classroom and onto the theme park. We have topics and ideas that will really engage your group.

Welcome to the seaside home of inventor and scientist Otto Overbeck. His gardens and house are perched high on the cliffs above Salcombe, with glorious views over the estuary and coast.

One of Britain's finest galleries - a beautiful and unique house with a distinctive collection of 20th century art, and a gallery exhibiting contemporary and modern art.

Admission Free.

Find out What's On HERE.

School Visits

Find out more HERE.

Exploration into science: Discover the story of planet Earth's coldest, driest, windiest, highest and deadliest places…

Every cast tells two stories.
One ancient. One modern.

If you're looking for things to do in Cambridge, look no further than the Museum of Classical Archaeology. We're a small museum with a friendly staff and a welcoming atmosphere, so why not pay us a visit?

Northamptonshire's premier aviation museum....Museum of the Year & Best Exhibition in the Renaissance Heritage Awards 2007, Highly Commended in the Northants Heritage Awards 2011 & 2012 for Best Special Project....

This peaceful ten acre garden occupies a hillside position extending down from the 17th century manor house, constructed of mellow Northamptonshire stone.

Landscaped on different levels, it comprises a series of distinctive smaller gardens, providing variety and interest throughout the season, and enhanced by flowing streams, fountains and ponds.

This former Northampton to Market Harborough Railway is now a car free ‘linear’ park surrounded by beautiful scenery and rich in natural and historical heritage. It provides a 14 mile long walking, cycling and in parts horse riding route. The stone surfaced path follows the old railway track bed and is suitable for both hybrid style and mountain bikes.

The Northampton and Lamport Railway is a steam and heritage diesel operated tourist railway located in the Northamptonshire countryside just 5 miles from Northampton, within easy reach of the motorway network.

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