Programme - KS3
Workshops
At-Bristol's KS3 workshops are available throughout the academic year and support a visit to At-Bristol. Presented by trained science communicators, our range of workshops address key concepts that underpin how science works and engage students in practical and enquiry skills.
All the workshops listed are £3.00 per pupil. Minimum group size:12. Maximum group size:30.
Education entry rates and services are available weekdays in term-time, 10am to 5pm (last entry at 4.30pm).
Understanding our world-NEW
A new 2-hour workshop which introduces students to the applications of Earth observation techniques and the work of experts in the field. In collaboration with researchers from the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, students will be introduced to a case study of two Earth observation projects – ENVSAT and SISTeR – showing how long-term measurements allow climate and environmental changes to be tracked on a global and regional scale. Students will plan and carry out their own investigations using research-grade equipment.
Available March 2012.
Supported by the Science and Technology Facilities Council
Curriculum content: The environment, Earth and universe
How light works
Students will use specialist equipment to investigate laser mazes, phosphorescence and UV light. They will then be guided by our expert science communicators to plan and present their experience to the class using primary and secondary evidence.
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Duration: 1 hour
Curriculum content: Energy, electricity and forces
The Earth & Universe
This practical workshop explores the ideas and models behind this inspiring area of science. Students will develop their enquiry skills by collecting and testing evidence in a range of engaging investigations. Lively hands-on demonstrations, Galilean and Newtonian telescopes and our animated globe give students a valuable insight into the nature and motions of Earth and other planets.
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Duration: 1 hour
Curriculum content: The environment, Earth and universe
Solve it!
Students will get hands-on experience of a variety of forensic techniques, including fingerprinting, chromatography and hair analysis, and then use these skills to analyse evidence and solve a crime.
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Duration: 2 hours
Curriculum content: Chemical and material behaviour
DNA codebreakers
How much DNA do we share with a trout? In this introduction to DNA and genetics each student will extract and visualise their own DNA in a test tube. Students will learn simple lab techniques and safety while they explore some common genetic traits and find out why we are similar to our parents.
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Duration: 1 hour
Curriculum content: Organisms, behaviour and health
Creative chemistry
Chemistry isn’t all about acids and alkalis! In this colourful and illuminating workshop students will learn about the creative applications of chemistry, including making a glow stick in a beaker, creating coloured pigments and painting a glow in the dark picture.
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Download supporting information for this workshop
Duration: 1 hour
Curriculum content: Chemical and material behaviour
Science Theatre Shows
At-Bristol offers a range of exciting presenter-led shows in its Studio. Specially designed for school groups, these engaging shows link closely to the curriculum and include lively fun demonstrations and lots of audience participation.
All shows are £1.00 per pupil and last 30 minutes.
Studio shows minimum group size: 20. Maximum group size: 70.
NEW-The boggling brain show!
Innovative demonstrations show what this complex organ is made from, before different areas of the brain are explored using our special MRI scanner. Students also take part in our interactive quiz show to put their own brains to the test. Every visit to this science theatre show is complemented by At-Bristol's real brain exhibit on the exhibition floor.
Curriculum content: Organisms, behaviour and health
Launch it!
KS3
This dynamic and energetic show investigates forces and explosions. Students are actively involved in decisions over weight, mass, speed and friction as we explore the forces at work when launching a rocket.
National curriculum links: Energy, electricity and forces
How my body works (Lower KS3)
Lower KS3
This active show requires lots of audience participation as students see the effect of exercise on our bodies. Exciting demonstrations bring to life the science behind the body's key organs and body systems.
National curriculum links: Organisms, behaviour and health. Also PSHE and PE
The light and colour show
KS3
Take part in illuminating experiments that explore the nature of light and how we experience colour. Uncover the origins of colour in biological, chemical and physical phenomena and experiment with splitting white light to discover a rainbow.
National curriculum links: Energy, electricity and forces
Planetarium Shows
At-Bristol offers a range of exciting presenter-led shows in its Planetarium. Specially designed for school groups, these engaging shows link closely to the curriculum.
All shows are £1.00 per pupil and last 30 minutes.
Planetarium shows maximum group size 86.
NEW-Exploring the Universe (Upper KS3/KS4)
In the unique and immersive setting of At-Bristol's Planetarium students will explore the life cycle of stars and will be challenged to think about how scientists develop theories from the observational evidence they gather. They will be given the opportunity to observe deep space objects in different colours and explore how this relates to the nature of the Universe.
NEW-Exploring the Solar System (Lower KS3)
Special theme days
These specially designed days challenge and excite students, providing enriching and cross-curricula experiences through a range of innovative activities including visiting experts in the field. Special theme days must be booked at least a month in advance and are available throughout the academic year.
Cost: £14.50 per student including entry to At-Bristol.
Duration: 5 hours.
Minimum group size: 20. Maximum group size: 60.
Earth and beyond
Students will learn to navigate the night sky and explore deep space objects in a specialised session in the Planetarium. Remotely accessing the Faulkes Telescope located in Hawaii, they will plan and execute a real-time observation session and may even get to make a few discoveries of their own! A space themed scavenger hunt in At-Bristol gives students plenty of opportunity to explore the exhibitions.
NEW-Forensics
Forensic science is guaranteed to grab the attention of many students-TV programmes such as Crime Scene Investigators just touch the surface of this fascinating branch of science. Students become forensic scientists for the day in our laboratories as they get to grips with the techniques used by Crime Scene Investigators. After fingerprinting, casting and DNA profiling, they put their newfound skills to the test at the scene of a crime in At-Bristol.
Book your workshop, show or Special Theme Day
For further information or to make a
booking, please call 0845 345 3344, 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday
(excluding bank holidays); or book
your school visit online.
Science Fact
Lightning is 3 times hotter than the surface of the Sun
