Science and Technology School Trip to London

A WST tour to London will support the study of elements of the following exam board specifications (with examples highlighted):

Science Museum

The Science Museum is the most visited science and technology museum in Europe. There are over 15,000 objects on display, including world-famous objects such as the Apollo 10 command capsule and Stephenson’s Rocket.

For science trips to London, the large range of interactive galleries bring to life first scientific principles and contemporary science debates

The Natural History Museum

The museum is home to life and earth science specimens comprising some 70 million items within five main collections: botany, entomology, mineralogy, palaeontology and zoology. Many of the collections have great historical as well as scientific value, such as specimens collected by Charles Darwin.

Visit the high-tech Attenborough Studio to watch a 45 minute interactive film entitled 'Who do you think you really are? The film will involve you in a revealing story of evolution from Earth's early history using large-screen projection, personal handsets and webcams. 

Science Magic Shows (1 hr) 

These interactive, fun and educational shows are hosted by Dr.Matt Pritchard who is independent science communicator, former physics lecturer and an award winning magician who is one of only 300 Associates of the Inner Magic Circle. An ideal daytime or evening activity for London science trips.

Surprising Science - KS3-KS5 (Physics & Chemistry) - Can you discover the sneaky scientific secrets behind the surprising illusions? The show will challenge the audience to think creatively like both a scientist and a magician. The interactive show encourages enquiry and critical thinking, using magic tricks to inspire students' imaginative engagement with scientific ideas. If given sufficient notice the science topics covered can be tailored to a specific theme.

Superhero science - KS3-KS5 (General Science) - Are superpowers fact, fiction or feasible in the future? Explore invisibility, superstrength, body armour, levitation, mind control and find out what they do (or don’t) have to do with real science. And for those superpowers which are scientifically impossible? That’s where the magic comes in! The show has a strong emphasis on smart materials and technology inspired by biology (e.g. spider webs and camouflage.)

Something about Nothing (KS5+) (Physics) - Nothing is notoriously hard to grasp. However, things are set to change as Dr Matt Pritchard who will attempt to fill in the empty gaps and explain almost everything there is to know about nothing. From Annihilation through to Zero. A comedy show uniquely fusing magic, multimedia and mathematics that explores the history, maths, science and philosophy behind nothing. The show features the following concepts: counting systems, zero,  vacuums, creation & annihilation, the Big Bang, black holes, particle physics, CERN and the Large Hadron Collider.

3D Printing Sessions 

This exciting new 3 hr session is provided by a senior designer at a state of the art store and office in central London. The session will include an introduction to 3-D Printing technology, demonstrations, a short tour, a Q&A and your chosen souvenir 3-D printed object.  Your visit can be tailored to your main area of interest and age of pupils. The standard sessions will focus on;

• Possibilities of a Desktop 3D Printer and the latest material innovation (with sample objects)
• A process overview from a concept idea to a 3D Printed object
• Introduction to 3D design software
• Demonstration of designing, preparing and printing a 3D design of choice

Centre of the Cell (90 mins)

Centre of the Cell is a science education centre based at Queen Mary, University of London and is the first in the world to be located within working biomedical research laboratories.

During London science trips, a unique visit here is undertaken with a guide and at least one medical or dental student or scientist.  Once inside you’ll cross the bridge to Centre of the Cell’s Pod, which is suspended above the laboratories so you will be able to see research scientists at world and learn about the amazing world of cells, the human body and the latest medical research.

The experience includes KS2 - KS5 curriculum-linked interactive games grounded in cell biology and the research happening in the labs below and around the world. Films project onto the ceiling of the Pod which introduce the concepts of cell biology and medical research. Use microscopes and observe specimens from the Pathology Museum such as a human brain, learn about careers in cell biology, and debate the ethical issues surrounding medical research.

L’Oreal Young Scientist Centre

The L'Oréal Young Scientist Centre is a modern laboratory at the Royal Institution where young people aged 7-18 can experiment and explore all aspects of science and technology outside the classroom.

The LYSC offers half and full day workshops for students aged seven to 18, covering all biology, chemistry, physics and engineering. The LYSC team is available to tailor the programmes to suit the level and ability of your students.

And just as in the best research laboratories, students have access to advanced technology and experiments outside the remit of the normal school curriculum.

Half and full day workshop options include:

• Make and Test your Own Shampoo (KS3)
• Forensics Workshop (KS 4 & 5)
• High Velocity Eggsporter (KS 4 & 5)
• Spectacular Colour Chemistry (KS4 & 5)
• Magnets and Motors (KS3 & 4)
• Bacterial Evolution (KS 4 & 5)
• A Question of Taste (Post 16)

Please ask us for more details.

The Crystal

At the heart of the Crystal is an exhibition which showcases global trends and challenges. Also explore existing technological solutions to build environmentally sustainable, and prosperous cities. Across ten zones, the exhibition encourages us to change the way we all think about our cities, now and for future generations.

Through interactive exhibits, films, and animations you can explore a range of issues including city trends, urban planning, smart buildings, safety and security, energy, water, healthy life, environment, and mobility. The ‘Future Life’ theatre invites us to imagine how cities might look in 2050. 

Education Centre Sessions in Hyde Park (2 hours)

This outdoor learning experience for secondary school groups aims to inspire an interest in science and the natural world.

With dedicated teaching spaces, field studies equipment, digital technology and expert staff, your students can develop both practical fieldwork skills and learn how to gather real field data for use in coursework and scientific reports.

• Land Use and Local Conservation (KS3/4)
• Population, Climate and Sustainability (KS3/4)
• Food Webs and Interdependence (KS4)
• Classification and Ecological Relationships (KS4)
• Science in the Royal Parks (KS4)
• Adaptations for Survival (KS4)

Please call us for more details.

London Zoo - Educational Sessions (KS3-5)

Using London Zoo’s highly skilled education team, groups can take part in interactive experiences using resources such as live animals, biofacts and multimedia, all linked to the National Curriculum. Topics include Wildlife Under Threat, Climate Change & Animals; Behaviour Study; Animal Learning & Intelligence and Zoo Genetics & Breeding.

The Thames Barrier Visitor Centre (90 mins)

The Thames Barrier is one of the largest movable flood barriers in the world and the Environment Agency runs and maintains it as well as the London’s other flood defences.

An information assistant will give your group a guided tour of the Information Centre and deliver a talk covering topics such as how the barrier works, the History of the River Thames and the risk of flooding in London, as well as describing the environment and wildlife of the river. When visiting on a Monday to Wednesday, exclusive use of the conference room with refreshments and cakes is also available.

Thorpe Park Science Workshops

This exciting theme park provides plenty of excitement and also 2 workshops for Science students tailored to the age of the students.

The Science of Rollercoasters Workshop (45 mins): Explores key principles of Physics and Mathematics with the inspiring backdrop of THORPE PARK Resort’s exhilarating coasters. Discover how crucial considerations of accelerations, Newton’s Laws and Forces are in designing and maintaining Stealth, The SWARM and our other thrilling rides as well as ensuring the safety of all our guests. Delivered by an expert Education Facilitator.

Design and Technology (45 mins): The D&T workshop offers your students a chance to understand some of the basic principles of roller coaster design and the fantastic engineering feats required. Get to grips with the theming of our rides and the scenery, creating a unique experience for our guests.

'Sleep' Educational Sessions

One of the UK’s most renowned experts and authors on Sleep Disorders can offer our groups a range of highly informative 90 minute sessions focusing on a range of relevant study themes. Our recommended topics include;

Insanity, sleep and the law, Jekyl and Hyde

The law, in most jurisdictions, provides a defence against a crime if the ‘criminal’ behaviour was in some way involuntary. A murder committed whilst sleepwalking would be an example. Sleep medicine has categorised many sleep disorders amongst them the parasomnias - unwanted behaviours during sleep.  This workshop will explore both how the defence arose, and how our modern brain-based scientific view of the workings of the brain and mind attempt to absolve an individual from criminality. Robert Louis Stevenson’s novella Jekyll & Hyde provides a curious template.

Sleep and drugs- How does the Brain accommodate the Mind?

This workshop will attempt to answer the question by considering how sleep and drugs affect our mind/mental state. Sleep is a time when our normal perceptions, thinking and reactions to the 'real' world are altered. Similarly, though through quite different mechanisms, drugs or psychiatric medicines also affect our minds. Whilst this workshop is unlikely to answer what is fundamentally a philosophical question it will try (and at least explore the state of the science). 

The Biological clock, Sleep and its Disorders

Armed by understanding the changing views on sleep, what controls it and the biological clock, this session will explore the significant sleep disorders (assessment and treatment): insomnia, narcolepsy and the parasomnias. 

Importantly, the third edition of the International Classification of Sleep Disorders was revised and updated March 2014. For insomnia there was a significant departure in its classification from previous editions.

Sleep and Mental Disorder

Most mental disorders are associated with disturbed sleep. It is know that suffering from poor sleep for an extended period can increase the risk of developing a disorder like depression. Sleep deprivation can trigger mania. It is not known what the relationships are, whether poor sleep leads to a mental disorder or a poor sleep is a symptom of a developing mental disorder. This workshop explores the relationships.

London science trips offer a great choice of museums and attractions, many of which are an ideal complement to their learning and can be free for students. 

HIGHLIGHTS OF LONDON GUIDED TOUR

A half day guided tour of the city on board your coach is a perfect way to see all the major sites. Highly recommended if this is a first time visit to London for many of your students.

GUIDED TOUR OF THE LONDON 2012 OLYMPIC SITES

Following the outstanding success of the world’s greatest sporting event, there is now huge interest in seeing the area where our athletes won their medals.  This 2 – 2½ hour walk begins at Pudding Mill Lane and takes in the exteriors of the Aquatic Centre, the Stadium, Handball Arena (The Copper Box), the Velodrome and also the new I-City (formerly the International Press Centre). For an additional fee we can pre-book visits inside the Copper Box, the Aquatics Centre and the Orbit within your walking tour. 

ARCELORMITTAL ORBIT & 'RIDE THE SLIDE' 

With breath-taking views of London, the world’s longest and tallest tunnel slide and the UK’s highest freefall abseil, the ArcelorMittal Orbit is the UK’s most exciting viewing platform. 

Enjoy a breath-taking panorama of up to 20 miles across London through stunning floor to ceiling windows before experiencing the city’s landmarks from the outside observation walkway suspended 262ft above the ground. Discover sights including Wembley Stadium, St Paul’s Cathedral and Canary Wharf and get an exclusive bird’s eye view of the iconic sporting venues of London 2012. 

The Slide: A hair-raising experience that’s not for the feint-hearted? Hold on tight through the twists, turns and drops of the world’s tallest and longest tunnel slide as it weaves its way through the iconic red steel frame of the UK’s tallest sculpture, the ArcelorMittal Orbit. 

Enjoy the 40 second descent in the 584ft long slide through light and dark sections at speeds of up to 15mph as The Slide loops its way around the ArcelorMittal Orbit 12 times taking visitors through gentle curves, thrilling drops and a tight corkscrew.  Take a Look > https://youtu.be/N7ee2ExjhUc

BRITISH MUSEUM

With more than 7 million objects within its collections, the British Museum illustrates and documents the story of human culture from its beginnings to the present. It's a great place to visit during science trips to London.

IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM

The Imperial War Museum covers conflicts involving Britain from the First World War through to the present day. The Centenary of the First World War is highly topical and with it’s new First World War galleries the IWM is a must for any group visiting London.

LONDON EYE

Breath-taking sights make the London Eye a highlight of the city which you should not miss!

MADAME TUSSAUDS

A thrilling and exciting  visit containing inspiring wax works of some of the world’s most influential and famous people. Galleries include Sport, World Leaders, The Royal Family and Music along with the Spirit of London ride and Marvel Super Heroes 4D experience.

MUSEUM OF LONDON

Step inside Museum of London for a memorable journey through London’s unsettled history. Telling London's story students can enjoy the prehistoric, Roman and medieval London galleries through to the present day.

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM

Hundreds of exciting, interactive exhibits including the ultimate dinosaur exhibition, a human biology section or visit 'Investigate' -an exciting new hands-on science centre perfect for engaging students.

RIPLEY’S, BELIEVE IT OR NOT

Based in the heart of the West End, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! is the most wonderfully weird visitor attraction in London. Home to countless curiosities collected by the legendary adventurer Robert Ripley, you’ll step into a fascinating world where the bizarre and the unbelievable come to life and where amazement is waiting around every corner.

From unusual art to underwater wonders, an upside down room and even a dungeon, at Ripley’s London there are mindboggling experiences for even the wildest imagination.

THAMES RIVER CRUISE

This cruise along the Thames is a great way to see some of the major sites of the city. We recommend groups take the 40 minute cruise from Westminster to Tower which takes in Westminster, Big Ben, Somerset House, London Eye, Oxo Tower, The Tate Modern, St Paul’s Cathedral, London Bridge, Tower Bridge and the Tower.

WEST END THEATRE PERFORMANCE

Whatever your London trip aims, a West End show is a great opportunity to reward those on school trips to London with a thrilling night at the theatre.  Current top West End Shows include:

• Lion King
• Wicked
• Frozen
• Matilda The Musical
• Mrs Doubtfire The Musical
• Les Misérables
• Back To The Future
• Harry Potter & The Cursed Child
• Six
• We Will Rock You
• Phantom of the Opera 
• Mamma Mia

Whatever show you are interested in seeing, we can advise you on the best time to go and arrange your group seating.

WALK EAT TALK EAT 3-HOUR FOOD & DRINK WALKING TOUR

What better way could there be to explore the diverse cultures and communities which make up London than taking walking tour through the streets of the city where you get to sample the great range of cuisines on offer. You can try both modern and traditional dishes, British treats and foods from across the world. There are three different tours to choose from all of which centre around a few different food and drink stops where you may sit down and dine at the venue, pick up the food and taste it outside, or just walk and talk with the food. It really is a fantastic experience!

RESTAURANTS

Make your evening meal a night out with a restaurant visit. We can book tables at an exciting range of restaurants offering pre-theatre dinner packages to suit all budgets. We can also arrange for packed lunches to be delivered to your hotel or an appropriate meeting point in the city.