Secondary school
We are proud to offer a range of in person workshops. All of our workshops are delivered by trained students and free of charge.
Generation tech
Encourage your Year 7 and Year 8 students to become tech pioneers with our 'Generation tech' workshop. This two-hour session immerses students in hands-on exploration of modern technology and real-world applications, building valuable skills and insights.
Here’s what they’ll experience:
- Engaging, hands-on learning: Students will explore advanced devices such as infrared cameras, mobile phones, GPS systems, and microscopes, giving them a deeper understanding of technology in action.
- Collaborative problem-solving: They’ll work in teams to tackle fun challenges, enhancing teamwork and critical thinking.
- Insights into tech careers: Students will learn about the fascinating world of microchip technology, discovering diverse career opportunities and understanding how these components power everyday devices.
This workshop is a fantastic opportunity for students to unlock the secrets of technology and envision their future in the tech industry.
Tactile universe
Introduce your Years 7–11 students to the wonders of space with our 'Tactile universe' workshops- two immersive sessions crafted to engage all learners, including those with visual impairments. These workshops offer an accessible and interactive approach to exploring the universe.
Here’s what your students can look forward to:
- Hands-on, tactile exploration: Students will engage in sensory-based activities that make astronomical concepts feel real and understandable.
- Collaborative learning: Working in groups, they’ll solve puzzles and answer thought-provoking questions, encouraging teamwork and critical thinking.
- Sensory experiences: Through touch, sound, and other senses, students will grasp the scale, shape, and beauty of celestial bodies.
- Inclusive design: Every element is crafted to support all learners, ensuring an enriching experience for students with visual impairments.
Choose to book one or both workshops, or borrow our resource kit to extend the learning experience in your classroom.
Revealing the hidden universe
Invite your students to uncover the hidden secrets of the universe with our 'Revealing the hidden universe' workshop - an engaging experience suitable for all year groups. This workshop introduces students to the science of seeing beyond visible light, using hands-on activities that bring cosmic exploration to life.
Here’s what students will experience:
- Hands-on exploration: Using infrared cameras, students will see the world in an entirely new way, revealing details normally hidden to the naked eye.
- Understanding the electromagnetic spectrum: They'll learn about the various types of radiation in the spectrum and how scientists use them to study the universe.
- Discovering the invisible cosmos: Through infrared technology, students will uncover objects and phenomena invisible to our eyes, providing a deeper appreciation of the universe.
- Interactive learning: With opportunities to ask questions and engage in experiments, students will actively deepen their understanding of cosmic science.
This workshop is a captivating way to inspire curiosity and expand students' view of the universe.
Discover exoplanets: a hands-on workshop
Engage students of all ages in the thrilling search for distant worlds with our 'Discover exoplanets' workshop.
This session dives into the science of exoplanet discovery, blending astronomy, the science of light, and the potential conditions for life. Perfect for all year groups, the workshop can be delivered in person or through a resource loan for a customized experience in your classroom.
Here’s what students will explore:
- Hands-on exploration of light curves: Students will experiment with light curves to see how scientists detect exoplanets by observing changes in light over time.
- Discovering exoplanets: They’ll learn about planets beyond our solar system and the fascinating techniques used to find them.
- Investigating life’s conditions: Students will explore what conditions might support life on other worlds and how scientists look for these indicators.
- Connecting astronomy, light, and timing: By examining the interplay of these concepts, students will deepen their understanding of the exoplanet discovery process.
This workshop is an inspiring way to connect students with the wonders of astronomy and the quest to find worlds beyond our own.
Explore the stars: a hands-on workshop
Engage your GCSE students in the fascinating world of stellar science with our 'Explore the stars' workshop, adaptable for younger or A-level students.
This hands-on workshop brings star classification and the Hertzsprung-Russell (H-R) diagram to life, helping students understand the variety and evolution of stars. You can choose to have us deliver the workshop, or we can loan you the resources for a tailored experience in your classroom.
Here’s what students will explore:
- Exploring Star Types: Students will learn about the different types of stars, from red dwarfs to massive supergiant, and their unique characteristics.
- Understanding the H-R Diagram: They’ll dive into this critical tool for classifying stars and gain insights into the relationships between star size, brightness, and temperature.
- Creating a Classroom H-R Diagram: Using real astronomical data, students will construct a large-scale H-R diagram, bringing abstract concepts to a tangible format.
- Applying Stellar Knowledge: By analysing their H-R diagram, students will uncover the life cycles of stars and explore how stars change over time.
This workshop is an ideal way to deepen students' understanding of astrophysics and inspire a passion for the stars.
Gravitational waves: a hands-on workshop
Immerse your A-level physics students in the world of cutting-edge research with our 'Gravitational Wave' workshop.
This session bridges classroom knowledge with real-world science, focusing on the ground-breaking technology and techniques behind LIGO and VIRGO detectors.
Here’s what your students will experience:
- Applying physics and math skills: Students will use their understanding of mathematics, wave theory, and physics to analyse data, making connections between theoretical knowledge and practical applications.
- Exploring gravitational wave technology: They’ll learn how LIGO and VIRGO observatories detect gravitational waves and the advanced technology that enables this precision.
- Data analysis in action: Students will practice techniques for localizing gravitational wave events and determining key properties, such as distance and mass of source objects.
- Connecting theory to real research: By working with real-world data, students will see how physics principles are applied in ground-breaking discoveries and cutting-edge scientific research.
This workshop offers a unique opportunity for students to experience the frontiers of physics and gain insights into the future of astronomical discovery.
Contact us
To book or for further information please contact us:
Physics and Astronomy engagement team
Learn more about our public engagement projects and keep up to date with what's happening at the school.