Winchester Science Centre Hampshire Science School Trip

Bring science to life with an action-packed educational visit at Winchester Science Centre. Get hands-on with the expert science Inspirers in one of seven 45-minute curriculum-linked workshops. Blast off on a space adventure, get hands-on in a sticky sensory matter workshop or meet some of the residents of the South Downs National Park in marvellous minibeasts.

And that’s not all! Be wowed by a bespoke Planetarium show. Take a seat and zoom through the Solar System for an experience you’ll never forget. There’s also lots of time to explore the two floors of interactive exhibits. Climb into a massive guitar, experience the acoustics of a sonic rocket and blast off on an out-of-this-world journey through Explorer:Space.

And if you don’t want the fun to stop, have a sleepover! Snooze in the crash-landed spaceship of Explorer:Space or set up camp inside the giant guitar. A typical sleepover includes time to explore the exhibits, hot chocolate and a cookie before bed, a yummy breakfast and a morning Planetarium show. It’s a completely unique camping experience and you’ll never forget it.

Where will their curiosity take them? Find out with Winchester Science Centre!

Winchester Science Centre, is run by the independent children’s charity Wonderseekers. We’re on a mission to spark curiosity in science in all children. We want to work together with you to fire children’s passion for science.

There is a brilliant team of expert science communicators running live Planetarium shows and workshops. These activities are at the heart of every school visit and not an added extra.

We also have a goal to make visiting available to everyone. To help with this, all schools benefit from a discount on regular general admission prices and there is an additional subsidy of up to 60% for eligible schools. Subsidies are provided for state-funded schools, schools with above average number of students receiving free school meals, and schools identified by the Science Centre as priority schools. Visit our website for further information on pricing.

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Our all-inclusive approach to school visits means every school trip will include each of the following activities:

– A 45-minute curriculum-linked Discovery workshop
– A live presenter-led Planetarium show
– Lots of time to explore the two floors of hands-on interactive exhibits

All you need to do is decide which of the Discovery Workshops you’d like to book:

Marvellous Minibeasts – Did you know that Winchester Science Centre is located in the stunning South Downs National Park? Come and explore the weird and wonderful world of British bugs. Get up close to live minibeasts. Examine lifecycles, diets and behaviour. And discover the hidden secrets of the flora and fauna of the South Downs National Park.

Star Seekers – 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!

Solid. Liquid. Squish! – 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.

Blast Off – 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!

Soundscape Studio – 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.

The Science of Me – Let’s find out how we work by learning more about the human body. Investigate how the systems in our body work and find out how we can keep them healthy. Discover the secrets of our heart by exploring the structure of a real sheep heart.

Habitat Heroes – This is your chance to get a closer look at the wonderful wildlife living in the South Downs. It’s time to get hands-on as you explore nature’s habitats and learn how different species survive and thrive in their environment.

Find out more on our website https://www.winchestersciencecentre.org/visiting/schools-and-uniformed-groups/ultimate-school-trip or get in touch with our education team at education@winchestersciencecentre.org. We can’t wait to see you and your students very soon!

We have a minimum groups size of 15 children. If you wish to bring a smaller group you can, but minimum charges based on 15 students will apply. If you are a SEND schools wishing to bring a smaller group, this charge may be waivered.  Please contact the team at education@winchestersciencecentre.org to discuss your requirements.

Pre-visit resources can  be found here: https://www.winchestersciencecentre.org/schools-and-groups/pre-visit-resources

You’re very welcome to take photographs and footage. We just ask you to be mindful of other visitors who may not want to feature in photos/recordings and taking extra care due to other students sharing the spaces.

If students have phones or IT devices, they should be put safely away for the duration of the trip.

Need help writing your risk assessment? Don’t worry, we’ve got some great tips and advice in our handy guide. You can find it on our website here – https://www.winchestersciencecentre.org/assets/files/uploads/schools-risk-assessment-advice.pdf

Please contact the team at education@winchestersciencecentre.org. They will be happy to help.

We’re a charity so we work really hard to break down any barriers to engagement. We’re pleased to offer subsidies to the following schools:

State-funded schools (including academies, multi-academy trusts, free schools and University Technology Colleges) – 12% subsidy

All schools who have 17% or more students who receive free school meals – 60% subsidy

Don’t forget to check out the different ways to support your financial and travel expenses. The South Downs National Park have some great options available and we’re part of the Great British School Trip bursary scheme.

Student – £15

Student – 15% subsidy £12.75

Student – 60% subsidy £6

Accompanying adults – Free

We strongly advise that students wear their normal school uniform. There will be other schools in the building during your visit so this will make them identifiable.

We have on-site first aiders and a fully equipped first aid room. Please let us know if you would like to use this room for medical requirements during your visit.

• Two floors of exciting action-packed science fun: check out our schools interactive sensory map before you visit.
• Shop: our shop will be open between 12pm and 2pm but only if you let us know you would like to use it. Don’t forget to tell us when you complete your booking form. We recommend around £3 to £5 pocket money will be plenty.
• Toilets: we have female and male toilets with smaller seat options for younger visitors. We also have two accessible toilets and a Changing Paces facility.
• Indoor and outdoor lunch areas: you’ll be designated a lunch area on arrival.
• Bag and coat storage: you’ll have your own storage area designated on arrival.
• Coach parking: coaches have their own parking area in our car park and parking is free.

Unfortunately our café is not open during school visits for food or hot drinks. Make sure everyone remembers to bring their lunch. We also recommend bringing along a refillable water bottle as we have cold water dispensers available.

At Winchester Science Centre, science is for everyone. We’ve totally transformed our visitor experience to make it easy for all children to be part of everything we do. Here’s a quick summary of our facilities:

• Parking: our access route to the main entrance from the coach parking is completely flat. We also have Blue Badge parking closer to our entrance for those that need it.
• Lift and access: the Science Centre is completely open plan with a level surface. Between the two floors is a roll-on-roll-off lift that’s big enough for a wheelchair and carer/personal assistant.
• Recombobulation Room: need some quiet space? Our Recombobulation Room is a peaceful sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of the Science Centre. It’s a calm, empty space with hardly any sound and a lovely dimmable light.
• Sensory backpacks and ear defenders: We have brilliant sensory backpacks that you can borrow. They come with fiddle toys, ear defenders and a social story.
• Discovery Pens: our exhibits are available with audio description using our Discovery Pens. You will hear a description of how to use the exhibit and the science behind it. Please speak to one of our team if you would like to borrow a Discovery Pen during your visit.
• Toilets: we have an accessible toilet on both floors and a Changing Places facility on the lower floor.

School groups typically visit between 10am and 2pm on a weekday during Hampshire term-times. For general public opening times, please visit our website.

“We loved the workshop and the planetarium. The staff member in the workshop was very enthusiastic and engaged the children brilliantly. Both adults and children thought the place was fun, educational and awesome. The planetarium show was epic and everyone learned something new!”

– Jenny, Redbridge Primary School

“A great way to encourage independent learning in science. Lots to do, lots to see; 94 children, including some with SEN, were fully engaged in the hands-on experience.”

– Liz, Eastwick School

“I have been teaching for 17 years, and this is by far the best trip. Well done.”

“After a crash delayed half of our group, you bent over backwards to help rearrange the day. Thank you.”

“The quiet soundproofing bubble/room. This was greatly appreciated by my SEND students who at times felt overwhelmed by noise. Staff were kind, caring and helpful.”