Get On With Science (GOWS) - A Guide to Science
Resources and Activities
Contents:
Current Science Documents
Page 2
Free Online Science Resources
Pages 3-4
Simple Science Activities
Pages 5-8
Places for North Wales Science Visits
Pages 9-12
Other Information
Page 13
Page 1
As part of the Get on With Science (GOWS) project, we have identified and
others have shared with us, various resources, activities and ideas. We
have brought these together in this guide. We are not ‘recommending’
them as particular to engaging girls in Science or as being of a certain level
of quality but in the hope that you may find them useful.
Current Science Documents:
‘Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Guidance for
schools and colleges in Wales’
Guidance document for the provision of STEM for 3 to 19 year olds produced by
the Welsh Government in 2012
‘Moving On: Supporting Transition through Science’
Guidance document to assist schools and their partners develop science
activities to aid students with the transition from primary to secondary
education. Produced as part of the Get On With Science (GOWS) project in
2012
Page 2
Free Online Science Resources
www.futuremorph.org
- Science council website aimed at promoting STEM subjects
- Highlights career opportunities in science and maths
- Interviews with real scientists to highlight stereotyping issues
- Posters, lesson plans and resources for teachers (key stage 3 upwards)
www.physics.org
- Institute of Physics website
- Presents careers stemming from a physics background
- Section on physics experiments and the physics behind everyday life
www.physics.org/marvinandmilo
- Monthly comic strip featuring a cat and dog team
- Highlights a science demonstration suitable for the home or classroom, using only
everyday objects
www.iop.org/activity/outreach/
- Public engagement activities from the Institute of Physics
- The activities cover many topics, with experiment details and presentations
available to download
www.rsc.org/learn-chemistry/
- Primary and secondary school science worksheets, quizzes, experiments,
demonstrations and videos
- Chemistry related careers information
www.tes.co.uk/teaching-resources
- Teaching resources collected by the Times Educational Supplement
- All years and subjects covered
https://hwb.wales.gov.uk
- Learning platform from the Welsh Government
- National collection of resources
- Resources available in Welsh
www.primaryresources.co.uk
- Lesson plans, activity ideas and resources uploaded by teachers
- Science is split into four main sections, which are broken down further for easy
searching
www.foodafactoflife.org.uk
- Fact sheets, interactive activities and stories around farming, healthy eating and
cooking
- Teachers’ guide available and all key stages covered
- A selection of resources also in Welsh
Page 3
www.aber.ac.uk/en/widening-participation/schools/stem/science-van
- Aberystwyth University physics based activities for primary schools
- Activity sheets, presentations and risk assessments available to download
www.planet-science.com
- Under 11s, over 11s, experiments and teacher areas
- Has links to curriculum key words
- Experiment area particularly good, covers all main branches of science
- Video interviews asking 6 people ‘what’s it like to be a scientist?’
www.countrysideinvestigators.org.uk
- Pupils journey through farms, villages, woodlands and country estates
- Watch videos, play games and try quizzes
- The teachers’ area has activities, worksheets and curriculum links
www.rspb.org.uk/ourwork/teaching/resources/science
- Activities for the classroom with curriculum links
- Suitable for key stage 2 up to key stage 5
www.practicalbiology.org
- From the Nuffield Foundation
- Biology experiments for teachers to demonstrate at primary level or for secondary
school pupils to carry out themselves
http://www.open.edu/openlearn/
- Resources from the Open University
- Covers science topics for key stage 3 and above
www.scratch.mit.edu
- Scratch is a programming language that makes it easy to create your own
interactive stories, games, animations and art
- Develops problem-solving, designing, reasoning and collaborative working skills
www.eon-uk.com/EnergyExperience
- Resources to help teach young people about energy
- Versions for key stages 1, 2, 3 and 4
- Interactive, online activities for pupils
Page 4
Simple Science Activities to help Engage Children, Young
People, Families and Communities
CHEMISTRY:
Black Magic
- Use chromatography to separate out the coloured pigments that make up black
ink
- Requires water, cups, filter paper, black (Non-permanent) colouring pens
- Which pigment will travel the furthest?
- The water travels up the paper like a lift in a tall building. Some of the pigments
will also take the lift, some will walk up the stairs, and some will stay at the bottom
- So when the water reaches the top, the pigments will be at different levels on the
paper
Bubble Bomb
- Mix baking powder and vinegar inside a plastic bag
- Twist the bag near the top of the mixture so that no gas can escape
- Hold tight and the bag should pop with the amount of fizz created
- Great for talking about relative amount of space solids, liquids and gases take up
- Must be done outside in clothes you don’t mind having to wash!
Solids, liquids and slime!
- How would you describe a solid?
- How would you describe a liquid?
- Let’s make a material that in some ways acts like a solid and in other ways acts
like a liquid; slime!
- Make cornflour slime (outdoors only!)
- Make borax putty
BIOLOGY:
Camouflage
- Why are certain animals coloured like their surroundings?
- Why are some animals coloured very brightly?
- Is there a link to whether the animals are predators or prey?
- Find out how you look with camouflage stripes using face paint
Now You See it, Now You Don’t
- Place 15 to 20 small items on a tray and cover with a tea-towel
- Allow participants 1 minute to view the items and then 1 minute to write down as
many as they can remember
- How good is their short-term memory?
Page 5
PHYSICS:
Balloon Rockets
- Tie a piece of string between two chairs, threading a drinking straw onto the string
- Blow up a balloon but don’t tie the end
- Use sticky tape to fasten the balloon to the straw
- Release the balloon and watch your rocket fly!
Stay Afloat!
- Make a raft that can stay afloat with the most number of penny passengers
- Good for talking about gravity, upthrust and balanced/unbalanced forces
- Each team is given a piece of aluminium foil and access to scissors and sticky
tape
- Teams should try out different shapes of boat to investigate which one works best
- Keep a results table of most number of pennies kept afloat by each team and the
shape of their boat
Straw Oboe
- Create an orchestra using drinking straws
- Just flatten one end and cut it into a ‘V’
-
When you can make a sound, ask a grown up to cut chunks off the end of the
straw
What happens to the note?
Windy Ways
- Blow bubbles to track the wind
- Use a compass to work out which direction the wind is blowing from
- Use a stopwatch to record how long the bubbles stay in the air
- Use a tape measure to calculate how far from the starting point the bubbles travel
- Create a class results table, draw bar charts and work out the class averages
MATHS:
Crime Solving – Maths
- Organisers set up a crime solving challenge
- Family teams use numeracy skills to solve the crime
- For example, work with time to figure out who was without an alibi at the time of a
burglary and use volume to see who has a van big enough to steal the goods
Page 6
Nim
-
A game where 2 people take it in turns to pick up matchsticks
Any number of matchsticks (but at least one) can be taken in a turn as long as
they all come from the same row
The aim is to not have to take the last matchstick
Treasure Hunt
- Make a family treasure hunt where the clues test numeracy skills
- For example: take 4x5 steps forward; turn 90o to the left and move 5+13 big
jumps forward; look under the table marked %, if you add 45 minutes onto the
time shown on the clock, what time would it be? Move this many steps towards
the playground; Look back towards where you started the hunt. ½ way back you
should see a sheet stuck to the fence, go back to the start with the answer to the
sum on the sheet to receive your prize
DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY:
Catapult
- Build a catapult out of school equipment as a family team
- Could use lolly sticks, rubber bands and sticky tape or construction kits
- Fire pom-pom balls at a target
- Who is the most accurate shot? Who can score the most points?
Hoopsters
- Do you think hoopsters will fly?
- Hoopsters are just made out of a drinking straw with a hoop of paper attached to
each end
- Search the web for more detailed instructions
- Warning: competitions between grown-ups and children are likely!
Human Programming
Page 7
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Blindfold a willing grown-up
The children have to give verbal instructions to guide the grown-up through a task
Ideas include over an obstacle course or building a LEGO model
Relates to how many instructions a computer needs to complete even a simple
task
Let’s go fly a kite
- Make a kite out of paper, drinking straws, lolly sticks, string etc.
- Test outside or with a fan
Who can build the tallest tower?
- Use newspaper and sticky tape or spaghetti and marshmallows to construct the
tallest freestanding structure
- Set the time limit fairly short i.e. 5 minutes
- Keep a score chart to show which family team achieves the highest tower
- Make sure the children help with the measuring of the height of their tower
Places Convenient for North Wales Science Visits
Page 8
North East Wales:
Techniquest Glyndwr, Wrexham
- Science Discovery Centre
- Caters for up to 120 pupils in centre or delivers outreach activities in schools
- Suitable for KS1 to KS5
- 3 hour centre visit would include time to look around the zones, time for lunch and
one activity
- Open 9.30am-4.30pm, Tuesday to Friday in term-time
- £3 per pupil, accompanying teachers free, extra activities £1 per pupil
- Welsh Medium available on request
- Ring the bookings team on 01978 293400
- www.tqg.org.uk
Sharp Solar Centre, Llay, Wrexham
- There are five interactive zones about renewable solar power to explore in the
centre, followed by a guided tour of the solar cell production factory
- Suitable for KS1 to KS5
- Typical visits last about 2 hours
- Visits are free but must be booked in advance
- Maximum number of about 30 pupils
- Bookings and information, 01978 857688
- http://www.sharpmanufacturing.co.uk/cps/rde/xchg/sukm/hs.xsl/-/html/sharp-solarcentre.htm
Danger Point, Talacre, Flintshire
- Interactive learning centre with information and resources about safety and
avoiding risks and injuries
- 6 zones explored in groups of up to 10 pupils with at least 1 adult and a ranger
- Pre and post interactive quiz to find out how much the pupils have learnt from
visiting the zones
- Visits last about 2.5 hours
- Up to 60 pupils a visit
- £15 per pupil, Flintshire council funding means students from Flintshire can go for
£3 per pupil
- Fully bilingual
- Book by ringing 01745 850414
- www.dangerpoint.org.uk
E-on Education Centre, Connah’s Quay, Deeside, Flintshire
Page 9
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Nature reserve with hides and a field studies centre
Visits by prior arrangement with Deeside Naturalists’ Society, 38 Kelsterton Road,
Connah’s Quay, Flintshire, CH5 4BJ
http://www.eon-uk.com/about/2758.aspx
Rhydymwyn Nature Reserve, Mold
- Nature reserve and site of historic interest
- Indoor and outdoor facilities and education sessions aimed at KS1 and KS2
- Cost of £40 an hour
- Visitor centre, 01352 741591, open 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday
- Bookings and information, contact Wildlife Education Officer, 01352 742115
- http://www.newwildlife.org.uk/what-we-do/communities-and-education/
North West Wales:
Wylfa Information Centre, Wylfa Power Station, Anglesey
- Centre has audio, visual and interactive displays covering all aspects of nuclear
power
- Educational workshops for up to 35 pupils, covering all aspects of the science
curriculum
- Open 10am-4pm Monday to Thursday and 10am-3pm Friday, all year
- Suitable for KS1 and KS2
- Visits are free for all primary schools in Anglesey
- Book early to avoid disappointment, 01407 711400
- http://www.magnoxsites.co.uk/our-sites/wylfa/information-centre
Thomas Telford Centre - Menai Bridge Exhibition, Anglesey
- Exhibition centre showing the amazing engineering behind Thomas Telford’s
suspension bridge and Robert Stephenson’s Britannia bridge
- Can be linked with an engineer guided walk across the bridge
- Curriculum based workshops, for example bridge building, health & safety,
materials or transport
- Allow 2-4 hours for a visit, depending on whether having the guided walk
- Group bookings are available all year round
- Suitable for KS1-KS5
- Book by ringing 01248 715046
- Fully bilingual
- http://www.menaibridges.co.uk/education.php
Electric Mountain Visitor Centre, Llanberis, Gwynedd
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Tour the power station, learn how electricity reaches you when you need it most
and explore the visitor centre
Pre-visit worksheets are free to download from the website
Open 10am-4.15pm, Monday to Friday, all year
Suitable for KS1 to KS3
Fully bilingual
For visitor centre bookings and group discount rates, ring 01286 870636
http://www.electricmountain.co.uk/electric_mountain.htm
Centre for Alternative Technology, Machynlleth, Powys
- 7 acres of hands-on displays and gardens
- Workshops, guided tours, residential visits and outreach sessions available
- Suitable for KS1 to KS5
- Open 10am-5.30pm, Monday to Friday all year
- £3.80 per pupil with activities priced on top per class, around £30-50
- Fully bilingual
- Book via the education department, 01654 705989
- http://learning.cat.org.uk/
North West England:
Chester Zoo, Chester
- 110 acres of gardens and over 8,000 animals to explore. There are more than
400 species of rare, exotic and endangered wildlife
- Suitable for KS1 to KS4
- Open 10am-4pm (5pm summer term), Monday to Friday, all year
- Have self-guided trails and activities
- £7.95 per pupil autumn and spring terms, £11 per pupil summer term
- Can book 50 minute workshops for up to 20 pupils priced at £25 for 1st session
and £20 for subsequent sessions
- Book by ringing the learning team, 01244 389444
- http://www.chesterzoo.org/education/all-you-need-to-know
Catalyst, Widnes, Cheshire
- Science Discovery Centre, mainly focusing on the chemical industry
- Has a theatre, laboratory for year 8 upwards, careers gallery featuring young
industry ambassadors and 100 interactive exhibits
- Suitable for KS1 to KS4
- Entry to the centre is £3.35 per pupil with workshops about £40 to £60 per class
- Book via the education team, 01514 201121
- http://www.catalyst.org.uk/education/education.htm
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Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre, Maccelsfield, Cheshire
- Get up close to the famous Lovell telescope, visit the planet pavilion exhibition
and the displays in the space pavilion
- Open 10am-5pm, Monday to Friday, all year
- Suitable for KS1 to KS5
- Worksheets are free to download from the website
- Typical visits last about 4 hours
- Basic visit costs £4.50 per pupil
- Basic visit plus the inflatable planetarium or a workshop costs £6 per pupil
- Maximum numbers are 120 pupils per day
- Bookings and information, 01477 571766
- http://www.jodrellbank.net/school-trips/
Spaceport, Wallasey, Wirral
- Explore space and space travel with exhibits and a planetarium show
- Entry includes a free visit to the Wallace and Gromit Exhibition
- Visits are 2 hours, including the 30 minute dome show
- Open 10.30am-6pm, Tuesday to Friday, all year
- Costs £4.50 per KS2 or KS3 pupil, free adult with every 10 pupils
- Bookings and information, 0151 330 1444
- http://www.spaceport.org.uk/
World Museum, Liverpool
- Planetarium, aquarium, bug house and other exhibits
- Open 10am-5pm, Monday to Friday, all year
- Admission is free, self-guided visits are expected to last about 2 hours
- 40 minute museum led sessions can be booked for up to 35 students
- Bookings and information, 01514 784788
- http://www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/wml/schools-groups/index.aspx
Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI), Manchester
- Interactive hands-on science gallery and workshops
- Open 10am-5pm, Monday to Friday, all year
- Suitable for KS1 to KS4
- Entry to the science gallery is free, workshop sessions are £3.50 per KS2 pupil
and £4.50 per KS3 pupil
- Book by ringing 01618 330027
- http://www.mosi.org.uk/learning/
Other Information
Page 12

Get On With Science (GOWS)
http://chwaraeteg.com/get-on-with-science/

Chwarae Teg
http://chwaraeteg.com/

ContinYou Cymru
http://www.continyou.org.uk/wales_cymru/

WISE
Helps organisations inspire women to follow STEM careers
http://www.wisecampaign.org.uk/

British Science Association
http://www.britishscienceassociation.org/

CREST Award Schemes
http://www.britishscienceassociation.org/crest-awards

National Science and Engineering Week
http://www.britishscienceassociation.org/national-science-engineering-week

STEM Ambassadors (in Wales)
Arrange free visits by Ambassadors to schools to inspire students about STEM
http://www.see-science.co.uk/stem-ambassadors.html

EDT
Organise industry related visits and activities for Year 7 upwards
http://www.etrust.org.uk/
Acknowledgements
Page 13
This guide to resources and activities has been produced by Chwarae Teg and
ContinYou Cymru as part of the Get On With Science (GOWS) project.
Thanks go to the Welsh Government for funding the project.
All information provided is correct at time of publication, January 2013. Contact details,
prices and opening times are likely to change over time, please check with the venue.
Cover image photograph courtesy of StockFreeImages.com
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