Are you ready for the Ultimate STEM School Trip?

As well as a bespoke Planetarium show and exploration time with the hands-on science exhibits, you can choose from one of six curriculum-linked Discovery workshops. Here's an overview of your workshop and some handy information for your risk assessment. 

Destination Space

Have you heard all about the James Webb Telescope? In Destination Space you'll get an introduction to this amazing piece of space technology. Let's also explore the properties of light. We'll start with the visible spectrum before moving to infrared and heat exchange. And what happens if we use diffraction to break light into its constituent parts? Let's find out!

Notes for your risk assessments for Destination Space:

  • Electrical lamps will be used. These are PAT tested regularly at the Science Centre.
  • Infrared lamps can get hot. A warning is given about this during the workshop. Long, direct viewing of the bulbs can also cause damage to eyes. Students are supervised at all times during the experiment. It is set up to ensure they do not look directly into the lamp for prolonged periods.
  • Laser mases will be used. These are very low grade lasers. They are not harmful even if used for a prolonged period.
  • Laser thermometers will be used. Students are given clear instructions on how to use these properly. They are supervised at all times when using a thermometer.
  • There is limited evidence to suggest that diffraction glasses can, in rare cases, cause seizures in epilepsy sufferers.

Bots

It's humans vs robots! Let's learn the basics of programming. Grab a laptop and program the Crumble-bots. Teach them to move. Make them change colour. And let's even get them dancing.

Notes for your risk assessment for Bots:

  • Laptops and small crumble robots will be used. All laptops are PAT tested at the Science Centre. The classroom is set up so there are no trailing wires.

Matter

What's the difference between solids, liquids and gases? Let's find out together. Explore why they behave the way they do. Then let's make some slime! As a non-Newtonian fluid, slime brings the properties of matter to life. See and feel them in action while having a lot of fun.

Notes for your risk assessment for Matter:

  • Children may be asked to move around in a manner that represents solids, liquids or gases. They are told not to run.
  • Slime Ingredients: Borax solution, PVA alcohol, PVA Glue, Glycerine These ingredients are considered non-toxic in the concentrations used. However, they should not be ingested. Please be aware if any children have allergies or sensitivities to handling any of these ingredients.
  • All children need to wash their hands after handling the slime. Hand sanitizer is available. Groups will be also shown the location of the toilets when arriving.
  • All spillages, which are unlikely, are cleaned up immediately.

Rocketships

Three, two, one! Let's launch our very own rockets. Let's learn about forces and combustion. We'll do an awesome whoosh bottle experiment. Then you'll design your very own rockets using foam pieces and K'nex. Maximise their flying potential. Consider what will make them aerodynamic. Then let the countdown begin!

Notes for your risk assessment for Rockets:

  • Methylated spirits will be used to fire the rockets. This is a flammable material and a vapour. Only small amounts are used. It burns out quickly. The vapour can be known to make people drowsy. You must wash hands immediately if any is spilt on your skin. Fire extinguishers are nearby and our presenters are highly trained. First aiders are onsite with access to burns kits if needed.
  • Ear defenders are available for the whoosh bottle experiment. It is not particularly loud.
  • Neodymium magnets will be used. Please let us know of any pacemakers or cochlear implants in your group.
  • K’nex pieces will be used. These can be a potential choking hazard.

Sound

We love sound at Winchester Science Centre! Will you explore sound and frequency with us? Discover how sound travels. Explore what volume and pitch are. We'll even test our own hearing and compare our ears to creatures in the animal world.

Notes for your risk assessment for Sound:

  • There will be noise and vibration.
  • A blow torch will be used. Only our highly trained presenter will use this.
  • There will be loud sounds of high and low frequency.
Book your school trip now!