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.

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 0844 335 1737 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

 

For a complete list of venues and providers who deliver specialist courses and activities for this subject see below

Banham Zoo

Venue Type: 
Zoos / Wildlife Parks
Overall Rating: 
0

Animals are fascinating whatever their size, shape or behaviour and at Banham Zoo you can get a unique opportunity to see some incredible animals naturally demonstrating just how amazing they are!

The Amazing Animals presentation takes place throughout the year and features fantastic animals and birds such as serval, European genet, Swainson's lorikeets, armadillo, kookaburras and blue & gold macaws.

Read more

Galloway Wildlife Conservation Park

Conservation through education
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

Galloway Wildlife Conservation Park set in 27 acres of mixed woodland, is the wild animal conservation centre of southern Scotland.

A varied collection of nearly 150 animals from all over the world can be seen within the peaceful and natural settings where the woodland has been tailored to provide large and imaginative enclosures.

Schools & Groups

Read more

The Isle Of Iona

Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

The Hebridean island of Iona has a significant history and a special, spiritual atmosphere that continues to attract and inspire thousands of visitors each year.

School visits are welcome, with environmental activities led by the Mull and Iona Ranger Service. Prior booking is required.

Read more

Leith Hall Garden & Estate

Venue Type: 
Parks and Gardens
Overall Rating: 
0

A typical Scottish laird's residence brimming with family treasures, Leith Hall is set in a scenic estate containing a beautiful garden that overlooks some of Aberdeenshire's finest rolling countryside.

Schools are welcome for tours of the House, Garden & Estate. The gardens and estate provide a wonderful opportunity for schools to explore their natural surroundings.

Read more

Dollar Glen

Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

Dollar Glen has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest because of its range of wildlife habitats and important geological features.

The whole area is a haven for wildlife, and the scenery is spectacular. There are a selection of activities available to suit schools' needs, covering natural heritage, geology, cultural heritage and food and farming topics.

Read more

Curraghs Wildlife Park

Venue Type: 
Zoos / Wildlife Parks
Overall Rating: 
0

Come and meet hundreds of incredible animals!

South American Pampas

  • Humboldt Penguins
  • Chilean Flamingos
  • Gaunaco
  • Mara
  • Rhea
  • Waterfowl

Asian Swamp

  • Capybara
  • Crab-eating Macaque
  • Short-clawed otter
  • Fishing Cat
  • Waterfowl
  • Red Panda

 

Read more

Gentleshaw Wildlife Centre

A small sanctuary for exotic animals and birds of prey
Venue Type: 
Zoos / Wildlife Parks
Overall Rating: 
0

Gentleshaw Wildlife Centre is a small sanctuary for unwanted and mistreated exotic animals and birds of prey. Home to a wide variety of creatures including, Owls, Hawks, Snakes, Monkeys, Raccoons, Wild cats, Lizards, Fruit bats, Falcons, Terrapins and much more it's a great afternoon out for the family.

You can visit and see all of the animals. See our residents playing, climbing, squawking, flying and relaxing. Learn about their lives and why they are at Gentleshaw. As a registered charity, your admission fee helps us to care for our rescued residents.

Read more

Owl and Falconry Centre

Venue Type: 
Zoos / Wildlife Parks
Overall Rating: 
0

A Bird of Prey Centre with a collection of over 50 hawks, falcons and owls, including some babies! Daily flying displays and a Pets Corner with rabbits, guinea pigs, a donkey, a ferret, sheep and more, to meet and feed.

There is a diverse range of owls such as Boobook owls, African Spotted Eagle owls, and Tawny and Common Owls.

They also have a great collection of other birds of prey, including Harris Hawks, American Red Tailed Buzzards, American and Common Kestrels, plus a Southern Crested Caracara!

Read more

Glencoe & Dalnes

Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

The most famous Scottish glen is also one of its most dramatic, with forbidding mountains, thundering waterfalls and sparkling lochs. Before you explore, find out more about the landscape, history and wildlife at the award-winning Glencoe Visitor Centre.

Education programmes at Glencoe are wide-ranging and we can provide for all ages from pre-school, primary and secondary schools to universities and professional development.

Our events programme promotes learning about the natural and cultural heritage of the area in an enjoyable fashion.

Read more

Kelmarsh Hall

Venue Type: 
Parks and Gardens
Overall Rating: 
0

Kelmarsh Hall is a Grade I listed country house built in 1732. The Kelmarsh Estate is now in the care of a charitable trust, charged with maintaining it in perpetuity for the benefit of the nation. In 2004, Kelmarsh (Events) Limited was set up as a commercial arm of the business to support the Charitable Trust.

The Kelmarsh Trust main aims and undertakings are to:
•    Conserve and manage the built and natural environment
•    Promote education about the hall, the estate and its natural history
•    Provide public access

School Visits

Read more

Pages

Login/Sign Up

Latest News

Schoolboy Falls From 60ft Cliff on School Trip

A 15-year-old boy fell 60ft over the edge of a cliff whilst on a geography school trip, miraculously only suffering minor injuries. 

TELL ME MORE