Overview

STEM School Trip to the West Midlands – 2-Night Stay

Get ready for an exciting 2-night adventure into the world of STEM! This school trip to the West Midlands is packed with hands-on experiences, fascinating exhibits, and real-world explorations designed to spark curiosity and ignite a passion for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. From learning about robotics and space exploration to diving into animal behavior and the chemistry of chocolate, students will connect with STEM in ways that bring classroom concepts to life. It’s a chance to get inspired, think critically, and discover the wonders of the world through the lens of STEM.

Departure: 9:00 AM – Let the Journey Begin!

The adventure begins at 9:00 AM as you depart school by coach, filled with excitement for the day ahead. As you head towards the West Midlands, students can look forward to a day full of learning and discovery. The road trip is the perfect opportunity to set the stage for the hands-on activities and engaging experiences that will make STEM come to life in new and exciting ways.

Mid-Morning Activity: Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum

Begin the day with an immersive experience at Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum, a hub for interactive learning that delves into the world of science, technology, and innovation. Students will explore exhibits covering space exploration, human anatomy, robotics, and sustainability.

• Key Stage 1: Young minds will be captivated by interactive exhibits that bring science to life. From discovering how their bodies work to exploring the wonders of the solar system and marveling at simple machines, students will unleash their inner explorers. Highlights include Imagination Playground, where teamwork and creativity combine to tackle fun engineering challenges, and fascinating animal adaptations activities that spark a love for the natural world.
• Key Stage 2: Pupils dive headfirst into the marvels of science, experimenting with forces and energy in dynamic workshops like Forces and Friction and Changing Materials. They’ll unleash their creativity by building and coding with LEGO® WeDo 2.0, fostering problem-solving skills while exploring the future of robotics. From the mysteries of space missions to the inner workings of the human body, every corner of Thinktank inspires “eureka!” moments.
• Key Stage 3: Adventurous learners will explore the cutting edge of science and engineering. In the thrilling Energy Show, students witness electrifying demonstrations, from rocket-fuel experiments to gravity-defying stunts. Budding forensic scientists can unravel a jewelry heist using real-world techniques like fingerprinting and microscopy, while Planetarium: Exploring the Atom takes students on an immersive journey into the building blocks of the universe. Thinktank bridges the gap between theory and practice, making STEM subjects unforgettable.
• Key Stage 4: Future scientists and innovators will tackle complex challenges through engaging workshops like Forensic Investigators and Planetarium: Journey into the Cell. From exploring the microscopic mysteries of DNA to delving into the ethical questions surrounding robotics and biotechnology, students will grapple with the big ideas shaping our world. With hands-on experiences and thought-provoking discussions, Thinktank fuels their passion for STEM and encourages them to envision a future filled with discovery.
• Key Stage 5: Thinktank offers a unique opportunity for advanced learners to step into the shoes of professional scientists. The PCR Discovery Day brings cutting-edge genetics to life as students extract DNA and use Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) to identify a fictional virus. This full-day workshop provides a window into the groundbreaking research shaping medicine and biology, inspiring students to dream big and push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Lunch:
Enjoy a packed lunch in the museum’s courtyard, allowing time for informal discussions on the morning’s activities and to prepare for the afternoon adventure.

Evening: To end the day, students will enjoy a delightful dinner at a local restaurant. 

Evening Activity: Go-Karting at TeamSport Birmingham

After a delicious dinner, it’s time to rev up the excitement with a visit to TeamSport Go-Karting Birmingham. Students will have a blast racing around the track in high-speed go-karts, experiencing the thrill of the competition. It’s a great way to learn a little bit about the physics behind speed, motion, and aerodynamics, all while having fun. Whether they’re first-time racers or already have some experience, everyone will enjoy the adrenaline rush, with a few tips from the instructors on racing techniques and safety. A perfect way to cap off the day with plenty of fun and team spirit!

Day 2

Morning: West Midland Safari Park

Begin the day at West Midland Safari Park, where students will explore animal biology, adaptations, and ecosystems. The educational programs offer engaging workshops on the roles animals play in food webs and their unique environmental adaptations.

• Key Stage 1: Students will be introduced to the concept of animal classification and adaptations, learning how different animals are suited to their environments. Simple, interactive games and animal encounters will teach them about basic animal biology and conservation.
• Key Stage 2: Pupils will study ecosystems and food chains, learning about the different roles that animals and plants play in the environment. They’ll also explore the basics of conservation and animal adaptations through hands-on activities with wildlife experts.
• Key Stage 3: Students will delve deeper into animal behavior, physiology, and conservation efforts. Workshops will discuss the evolutionary adaptations of different species and explore the concept of ecological balance and its impact on biodiversity.
• Key Stage 4: Older students will focus on the conservation of endangered species, analyzing the challenges of maintaining biodiversity in ecosystems. Discussions will center on the role of genetic diversity in species survival and the effects of human activity on ecosystems.

Lunch:
A packed lunch provided by the accommodation, enjoyed at a designated picnic area within the safari park, allowing time to reflect on the morning’s activities.

Afternoon Activity: Cadbury World

The afternoon at Cadbury World offers a fascinating insight into the world of chocolate, where students will learn about the science, technology, engineering, and sustainability behind chocolate production. A guided tour explores how chocolate is made, from cocoa beans to finished products, with engaging talks and hands-on activities tailored to different key stages.

• Key Stage 1: Through interactive experiences, students will discover the basics of chocolate making, learning how chocolate melts and solidifies, and exploring the different senses involved in enjoying chocolate. They’ll enjoy the Cadbury’s Amazing Chocolate Journey ride, which brings chocolate-making to life. Students will also attend a talk on how chocolate is created and its sensory qualities.
• Key Stage 2: Students will explore the science and engineering behind chocolate production. They’ll learn about energy transfer in machines, how chocolate is made from cocoa beans, and the process of tempering chocolate. A talk on The Science Behind Chocolate will introduce the concepts of chemistry in chocolate production, while the Making Chocolate with Engineers session will explain the role of technology and machinery in the process. Students will also participate in a hands-on workshop to create their own chocolate bars.
• Key Stage 3: Pupils will dive into more advanced concepts, such as the chemical reactions involved in chocolate-making, including how chocolate is tempered and solidified. They will learn about the engineering behind chocolate production, focusing on the machinery used in factories. A talk on The Chemistry of Chocolate will explore the scientific principles at work in production, while the Sustainability of Chocolate discussion will cover eco-friendly production methods and ethical sourcing.
• Key Stage 4: Students will engage with in-depth topics such as the role of technology and engineering in food production systems, the chemistry behind different types of chocolate, and sustainability in modern manufacturing. A talk on Engineering and Sustainability in Food Production will explore the impact of food manufacturing on the environment, while students will analyse the life cycle of chocolate and consider how the industry can innovate to reduce its carbon footprint.

Evening Activity: Science-Themed Movie Night
After a full day of exploration, relax with a science-themed movie screened in the communal area of your accommodation. 

Day 3

Morning: LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre Birmingham

End your trip with a dose of inspiration and imagination at the LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre Birmingham, where STEM meets storytelling in an action-packed adventure. This vibrant hub of creativity turns maths, science, and engineering into hands-on fun, offering workshops that ignite young minds and bring big ideas to life—one LEGO® brick at a time.

What schools can look forward to:

• Key Stage 1: Forces – Watch as students become DJs, learning how gears and cogs work together to make LEGO® minifigures bust a move. Through play and discovery, they’ll uncover the secrets of speed and motion in an unforgettable session that’s as lively as it is educational.
  Forces and Friction – Aspiring inventors will design and build their own push cars, testing the effects of force and friction in an epic Push Car Derby showdown. It’s a race to the finish line with a lesson in physics along the way!
• Key Stage 2: Gravity – Budding scientists will hit the slopes, constructing bobsleighs and ramps to explore how gravity works its magic on mass and motion. They’ll experiment, predict, and observe patterns in a workshop that’s sure to keep their curiosity rolling.
  Forces and Gravity – Pupils will rise to the challenge of designing and building a gravity-powered car, learning about balanced and unbalanced forces while perfecting their designs for a thrilling, wheel-free ride.

Beyond the workshops, the LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre offers a treasure trove of activities to spark the imagination. Pupils can step into the colourful world of LEGO® Miniland, featuring West Midlands landmarks in stunning miniature detail, or unleash their creativity in free-build zones where the only limit is their imagination.

This magical mix of play, problem-solving, and hands-on experimentation makes LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre Birmingham a brilliant way to immerse pupils in STEM, all while nurturing their teamwork, critical thinking, and creativity. It’s not just a visit—it’s a journey into the extraordinary possibilities of science and engineering, brick by brick.

If you’re looking for a more immersive experience in the industrial history of STEM, the Black Country Living Museum offers an excellent alternative to Legoland. While Legoland focuses on younger students, the Black Country Living Museum caters to a wider age range, including Key Stage 3 and 4, providing a rich opportunity for older pupils to explore the scientific and engineering innovations of the Industrial Revolution.

Alternative: Black Country Living Museum

Step back in time and immerse your students in the innovation and ingenuity of the Industrial Revolution at the Black Country Living Museum. This sprawling open-air museum doesn’t just tell the story of Britain’s industrial heritage—it brings it to life with hands-on experiences that perfectly bridge the gap between history and STEM subjects.

What schools can look forward to:

• Key Stage 1 & 2: Coal, Iron & Steam – Explore how scientific breakthroughs in coal mining and iron production fueled the industrial era, introducing pupils to the marvels of steam power. Through interactive demonstrations, students can see how these advancements revolutionized everyday life.
  Transport Through the Ages – From horse-drawn wagons to steam engines, pupils will trace the evolution of transportation, learning how engineering and design shaped the way we travel today.
• Key Stage 2: Canal Mania – Students dive into the mechanics of canal systems, discovering the principles of engineering behind locks and aqueducts. This hands-on activity highlights the role of waterways in driving industrial progress and invites pupils to think like 19th-century engineers.
• Key Stage 3 & 4: Steam Power & the Industrial Revolution – Older students can delve deeper into the science and engineering behind industrial machinery, exploring how steam engines and other inventions revolutionized manufacturing. Alongside these innovations, they’ll consider the environmental costs of rapid industrialisation, sparking discussions on sustainability.

Beyond the workshops, the museum offers an incredible opportunity to explore real historic buildings, meet costumed characters, and experience live demonstrations of traditional crafts and technologies. Pupils can even walk through a recreated 19th-century village and witness how technological innovation touched every aspect of life, from industry to home comforts.

Afternoon: Enjoy your last packed lunch of the trip before boading the coach for your journey home.

This school trip offers students a hands-on way to engage with STEM subjects, deepening their understanding of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. From exploring robotics to studying animal behaviour, the experiences will spark curiosity and enhance critical thinking. Teachers can use these insights to bring classroom lessons to life, helping students connect more easily with the concepts they’re learning.