Science centres enhance science learning through discovery. Many centres offer free teacher pre-visits, INSET and curriculum materials to support your visit. These are just a few of the upcoming events around the UK that may be of interest to you and your pupils. The science centre details included here do not cover all the exhibits that each centre can offer. More details can be found on the websites or by telephoning for a teacher's pack.

Cheshire

The Museum of the Chemical Industry includes 'Scientrific', which houses over 30 hands-on interactive exhibits. Workshops are ongoing throughout the year, covering topics such as materials, light and investigating skills for all ages.

Web: www.catalyst.org.uk
Tel: 0151 420 1121

Bristol

Exhibits include the 'Wildwalk' gallery, a journey from the origins of life to the ends of the Earth, 'Move it' (Sc4) and 'Curiosity Zone' (Sc3). Workshops are ongoing throughout the year. Facilities at the centre include an Imax theatre.

Web: www.at-bristol.org.uk
Tel: 0845 3451235

Glasgow

In addition to the exhibits the centre offers a computer laboratory, science show theatre and planetarium. Exhibits include the high-energy floor (Sc4), science and technology (Sc3 materials), an environment zone and health and medicine zone. Facilities at the centre include an Imax theatre.

Web: www.gsc.org.uk
Tel: 0141 420 5000

Newcastle-upon-Tyne

Amongst the interactive exhibits of 'Lifelab' visit 'Choices?' to consider issues of science in daily life. 'Secrets of Life' is a visitor show covering genetics, DNA and inheritance, and for KS2 pupils there is a 'Discovering DNA' workshop.

Web: www.lifelabeducation.co.uk
Tel: 0191 261 6006

London

The wide range of exhibits is complemented by ongoing workshops and teacher and pupil science support materials. At 'Investigate', a purpose built, state of the art laboratory setting, pupils are actively encouraged to examine a huge range of biological specimens.

Web: www.nhm.ac.uk
Tel: 0207 942 5054

London

Many interactive, hands-on exhibits covering topics such as flight, materials, food and health. Facilities at the centre include an Imax theatre.

Web: www.nmsi.ac.uk
Tel: 0207 942 4777

Birmingham

In addition to the many exhibits, workshops are ongoing. Pupils can be 'Crime Detectives' analysing fingerprint and DNA clues. 'Wild Things' focuses on adaptation and evolution, and 'Dynamic Earth' covers earth science. Facilities at the centre include an Imax theatre.

Web: www.thinktank.ac
Tel: 0121 303 1655

Manchester

Among the many exhibits there is now a unique opportunity to visit the interactive 'Science for Life' exhibition in Manchester. This includes a giant walk through a cell, a life size, movable, nickel-plated skeleton, models of the human body and exhibits relating to biomedical research.

Web: www.museum.man.ac.uk
Tel: 0161 275 2634

London

The Making Place is aimed mainly at primary pupils, their teachers and parents. Various workshops focusing on forces, electricity, light, sound, materials, movement and health are available.

Web: www.the-making-place.co.uk
Tel: 0208 964 2684

Powys

This centre demonstrates sustainable ways that people and technology can live together in harmony with the Earth. Curriculum topics such as environment, forces, food chains, micro-organisms and light are covered by illustrated talks provided at the centre.

Web: www.cat.org.uk
Tel: 0165 470 2400

Norwich

In addition to many hands-on exhibits, Inspire hosts a programme of live 'Science Squad' experiment science shows including 'E=Amazing Stuff 2' (age 7-13 years, looking at energy and energy conversions), 'Animal Magic' (age 6-12 years, adaptation and classification) 'H2O Show' and the planetarium.

Web: www.science-project.org/inspire/default.htm
Tel: 0160 361 2612

Aberdeen

Beginning April 2002 the 'Our Changing Countryside' theme will look at agriculture, nature and conservation, including interactive exhibits and continuing workshops such as 'Changing Materials'.

Web: www.satrosphere.net
Tel: 0122 464 0340

Cardiff

Now the home of Science Year for Wales, Techniquest houses many hands-on exhibits, together with interactive shows. Curriculum areas covered include forces, investigative enquiry, music, materials, plant science, space and earth science.

Web: www.techniquest.org
Tel: 0292 047 5475

Manchester

Permanent exhibitions with hands-on activities covering materials, water, sound, electricity, light and colour, forces and space.

Web: www.msim.org.uk
Tel: 0161 606 0115

Dundee
With over 60 hands-on exhibits as well as workshops and presentations, pupils can explore their senses, the human body and the biomedical sciences.

Web: www.sensation-dundee.co.uk
Tel: 01382 228800