National Science and Media Museum

What We Offer Visiting Schools:

Interactive Galleries
Schools can explore permanent and temporary galleries focused on science, sound, photography, film, television and gaming, supporting curriculum topics such as light, sound, digital media and scientific enquiry.

Curriculum-Linked Learning Shows
The museum offers live, presenter-led science and creativity shows during term time, designed to engage pupils with key concepts through demonstrations and storytelling.

IMAX Educational Screenings
School groups can book IMAX screenings of large-format educational films covering science, space, nature and the environment, providing immersive learning experiences.

Workshops and Hands-On Activities
Bookable workshops and creative sessions allow pupils to take part in practical activities that combine science, technology and media, supporting skills development and experimentation.

Teacher Resources and Digital Learning
The museum provides online learning resources, classroom materials and digital tools to support teaching before, during and after visits.

School Visit Support Services
Schools receive dedicated support, including advance booking, visit planning guidance, risk assessment information and access to indoor lunch spaces for groups.

Why Choose Us for an Educational Visit:

A Unique National Collection
The UK’s only museum dedicated to science and media, covering photography, film, television, sound and digital technology.

IMAX Learning Experiences
One of the few UK attractions offering curriculum-linked IMAX screenings for schools, creating highly memorable, large-scale learning.

Interactive, Hands-On Galleries
Pupils actively explore sound, light, image-making and gaming through interactive exhibits rather than passive displays.

Curriculum-Focused School Provision
Learning shows, workshops and galleries are designed specifically for school groups and align with science, computing and creative subjects.

Experienced in Hosting Schools
Purpose-built facilities, clear group booking systems and indoor lunch spaces make visits easy and well supported.

Subjects and Topics Covered:

Science – sound waves, light and optics, forces and energy, electricity, scientific experimentation
Physics – acoustics, image formation, lenses, motion, electromagnetism
Computing – digital technology, coding principles, video games, interactive systems
Design & Technology – product design, engineering processes, problem-solving and prototyping
Art & Design – photography, film-making, visual storytelling, creative media
Media Studies – film, television, animation, sound production and media history
STEM Skills – enquiry, critical thinking, observation, collaboration and creativity

Accreditation and Awards:

Accredited by Arts Council England and part of the Science Museum Group, the museum is recognised for excellence in education, collections care, and its contribution to Bradford’s UNESCO City of Film designation.

Group Sizes Catered For:

From 2-400, whatever your group size, we can accommodate you.

Itineraries, Resources, and Workshops:

Choose from a variety of flexible itineraries to create a cross-curricular experience that fits your timetable and curriculum needs. Mix and match galleries, workshops, and shows to suit your class.

Available off-the-shelf itineraries include:

Self-Led Gallery Visit
Explore the museum at your own pace with access to Sound and Vision, Wonderlab, Eurovision, Kodak galleries, and indoor picnic space. Suitable for all ages, 30-minute sessions. More information – https://www.scienceandmediamuseum.org.uk/groups/schools-education

STEM Day: Sound
Hands-on science for KS2 (7–11), including Wonderlab sphere explainer, Wonderlab studio show (BTT), Sound and Vision, Eurovision, and picnic space. 30-minute sessions, £2.50 per pupil. More information – https://www.scienceandmediamuseum.org.uk/groups/bring-thunder

STEM Day: Light
Explore light and optics through the Wonderlab sphere explainer, Wonderlab studio show (LIU), Sound and Vision, Eurovision, Kodak, plus picnic space. 30-minute sessions for KS2, £2.50 per pupil. – https://www.scienceandmediamuseum.org.uk/groups/light-it-up

STEM Day: Invent and Imagine
Creative science for KS2 with Wonderlab sphere explainer, Wonderlab studio show (I&I), Sound and Vision, Eurovision, Kodak, and picnic space. 30-minute sessions, £2.50 per pupil. – https://www.scienceandmediamuseum.org.uk/groups/invent-and-imagine

KS3 Day
Tailored for KS3 (11–14) with longer Art of Reaction workshop (1h 15m) plus visits to Sound and Vision, Wonderlab, Eurovision, and Kodak. 30-minute gallery sessions. More information – https://www.scienceandmediamuseum.org.uk/groups/art-reaction

IMAX Visit
Immersive IMAX screening plus Wonderlab, Sound and Vision, Eurovision, and picnic space. Suitable for all ages, 30-minute galleries, 60-minute film, £5.50 per pupil. To see our selection of IMAX short documentary titles, visit https://www.scienceandmediamuseum.org.uk/groups/schools-education

Power Up Visit
Interactive Power Up gaming gallery, supported by visits to Wonderlab, Sound and Vision, Eurovision, and picnic space. 30-minute sessions, suitable for all ages, £3 per pupil. More information – https://www.scienceandmediamuseum.org.uk/whats-on/power-up#learning-section

Risk Assessment:

Risk Assessments & Safety
The museum provides guidance and templates to help schools complete their own risk assessments. Teachers remain responsible for supervising pupils, with recommended adult-to-child ratios.

Safe Environment
Galleries, workshops, and activity spaces are regularly checked and maintained. Hazards are identified and managed promptly.

Emergency Procedures
Clear evacuation plans are in place, and first-aid trained staff are on site. Group leaders are encouraged to brief pupils on safety protocols.

Legal & Insurance
The museum is covered by public liability insurance and follows UK health and safety regulations as part of the Science Museum Group.
More information here: Getting ready for your visit | National Science and Media Museum

Education Department Information:

If you have any queries, you can get in touch with our Contact Centre on 033 0058 0058 or email info@sciencemuseumgroup.ac.uk.

Pricing Information:

Entry to the museum is free for all school groups, giving access to galleries and exhibits at no charge. Additional activities, such as live interactive science demonstrations, STEM sessions, IMAX screenings, and some special exhibitions, are available at low, per-pupil rates (from £2.50–£5.50).

We offer a wide range of flexible options to suit different ages, group sizes, and curriculum needs, making visits affordable and easy to plan.

Facilities:

The museum offers a range of dedicated learning and visitor spaces for school groups. These include interactive galleries, Wonderlab workshop spaces, and studio areas for practical science and media activities.

Indoor picnic and lunch spaces are available for groups, and all areas are fully accessible. Facilities are designed to support hands-on learning, group activities, and safe, comfortable supervision throughout the visit.

Accessibility and Disabled Facilities:

• The museum is fully accessible via step-free access and lifts
• Our IMAX screen has a level access area, which can be accessed via a lift
• Our Pictureville screen has one wheelchair space
• Our smaller cinema screen (known as Cubby Broccoli) has four wheelchair spaces
• Working guide and assistance animals are welcome at the museum.
• For those with sensory needs, we have sensory bags and ear defenders available. There is a quiet room on site.
• All our Explainers and Pictureville Cinema staff are Autism-Friendly trained.
• All staff receive inclusive language and accessibility training to help us communicate with visitors according to their needs. Explainers have experience working with all kinds of educational groups, including those with Special Educational Needs.
• Information on noise and light levels is available for each level of the museum
• The museum has a Changing Places Toilet on Level 0 and accessible toilets on Level 0, Level 3, Level 5 and in Pictureville.

To help you prepare for your visit, please watch our familiarisation video – https://youtu.be/MvXgZnFuP_I

Opening Hours:

The museum is open daily 10.00am – 5.00pm

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