10 STEM school trips to inspire the scientists and mathematicians of the future
From developments in artificial intelligence to groundbreaking advancements in medical science, STEM innovations are permeating nearly every facet of our existence, including how we communicate, how we sustain ourselves, and how we navigate the complexities of our modern world.
It’s for this reason that cultivating a deep understanding and interest in these disciplines in young people has never been more crucial. As STEM subjects––science, technology, engineering, and mathematics––become a larger part of our everyday lives, it’s imperative for children to engage in STEM learning early on, equipping them with the foundational knowledge and skills necessary for success.
But STEM education needn’t be confined to the walls of a classroom. Immersive experiences, such as those found on school trips, offer invaluable opportunities for students to explore, engage, and apply their knowledge in real-world settings. In this blog, we explore 10 STEM school trips designed to inform, inspire, and ignite the passions of budding scientists, technologists, engineers, and mathematicians. Read on to unlock a world of discovery for your students.
STEM school trips to Barcelona
Buzzing with energy and plenty of mathematical connections to test your students’ problem-solving skills, Barcelona is a great choice for a school STEM trip. Investigate links between nature and geometry in the city’s Modernist architecture whilst examining Gaudi’s transformations, shapes, and the benefits of his signature parabolic arch. Excursions linking to maths studies include the Olympic Park, where your group can identify mathematical curves and their functions whilst examining the seating capacity on a behind-the-scenes-tour of Camp Nou stadium.
Excursions include: CosmoCaixa, Barcelona Aquarium, Camp Nou Stadium, Barcelona Zoo.
STEM school trips to Belgium
It’s 3, 2, 1 and lift-off with a STEM trip to Belgium, which focuses on the country's Euro Space Center. Here, groups can opt for an afternoon, full-day, or multi-day residential trip, each of which offering school students the opportunity to embark on a hands-on, interactive mission to expand their knowledge of physics and space. Overnight groups will have a few hours free each evening, which can be spent in the pretty nearby town of Dinant, or the many excursions of Brussels – located a two-hour drive away.
Excursions include: Euro Space Center, Atomium, Museum of Natural Sciences, Planetarium, Technopolis.
STEM school trips to Cornwall
An affordable option for class groups, our science-based trips to Cornwall offer students an abundance of hands-on learning opportunities in biology, from visiting world-class wildlife sanctuaries to conducting fieldwork in natural settings. Visit the world’s largest greenhouse at the Eden Project, or explore marine conservation efforts, life cycles and habitats at the National Lobster Hatching Centre and the Blue Reef Aquarium – in Cornwall, the chances to expand your group’s understanding of life sciences are endless.
Excursions include: Blue Reef Aquarium, Eden Project, National Lobster Hatchery, Lost Gardens of Heligan.
STEM school trips to Disneyland Paris
Expand your students’ knowledge of Newton’s Three Laws of Motion on a STEM school trip to Disneyland®, where students can observe the effects of centripetal force and gravity while experiencing the rides and attractions. In nearby Paris, your students can further develop their understanding of some of the greatest historical achievements and applications of science with a visit to the Cité des Sciences – the largest science museum in Europe.
Excursions include: Disneyland Paris, Cite des Sciences, Palais Decouverte.
STEM school trips to Florida
It’s excursions abound on a STEM-based school trips to Florida, which offers an excellent learning opportunity for your students across the pond. Suitable for both KS3 and KS4, these STEM trips bring together the best of Orlando’s theme parks and inspiring science excursions, such as the Kennedy Space Centre and a Boggy Creek Airboat Ride.
Excursions include: Kennedy Space Center, Epcot, Wonder Works, Disney YES Programme.
STEM school trips to Geneva
Inspire your group’s budding scientists and engineers with a STEM-based school visit to Geneva, which is home to several world-class research facilities. Students interested in nuclear research will be entranced by a visit to CERN in nearby Meyrin, where they can discover the major contributions that more than 8,000 physicists and engineers have made to the understanding of our universe. Across Lake Geneva, you’ll also find Emosson Dam, where your class can learn about hydroelectric power and renewable energy first-hand as they enjoy views of the Mont Blanc mountain range.
Excursions include: CERN, Emosson Dam, History of Science Museum, SIG Energy Pavilion, Swiss Plasma Centre.
STEM school trips to Iceland
As a leader in sustainable energy, there’s little wonder that visits to the Land of Fire and Ice is such a popular destination among our STEM groups. Here, students can study the incredible engineering behind the Hellisheidi Power Plant – one of the world’s largest geothermal energy plants – before exploring the unique biological experiences Iceland has to offer, from lava fields and ice caves to jaw-dropping waterfalls and therapeutic natural lagoons. An excursion to the fascinating Westman Islands also offers student groups a unique insight into how volcanic eruptions affect communities in the modern age.
Excursions include: Reykjanes Peninsula tour, Great Geysir, Glacier Walk, Gulfoss, Fontana Geothermal Baths.
STEM school trips to London
Located right on the doorstep of school groups in the UK, London makes for an excellent and affordable school trip for complementing STEM lessons. From the world's oldest scientific zoo to some of the biggest specimen collections on the planet, London is bursting with exhibitions and research centres. What’s more, several excursions offer free entry, as well as tailored scientific talks, tours and educational programs.
Excursions include: Science Museum, British Museum, Natural History Museum, London Aquarium, London Zoo, Old Garrett Operating Theatre.
STEM school trips to New York
The grid pattern streets and tall skyscrapers in Manhattan offer an exciting destination for students to unravel mathematical problems on a school trip to New York. Explore the history of money at the Federal Bank and descend fifty feet below Manhattan to see what 7,000 tonnes of gold actually looks like.
Excursions include: Financial District, National Museum of Mathematics, New York Hall of Science, Ripley’s Believe It or Not.
STEM school trips to Paris
A hub of European science and focal point for some of the most important discoveries in history, Paris is the natural choice for a STEM school trip, where you can enhance your students' appreciation of the historical achievements and contemporary applications of the subject. Don’t miss a visit to the Cite des Sciences – the biggest science museum in Europe – or Disneyland®, which you may be surprised to find is brimming with learning opportunities from Newton’s Three Laws of Motion and centripetal force and gravity, to expert engineering.
Excursions include: National Museum of Natural History, Cite des Sciences, Palais Decouverte.
Ready for your next STEM school trip?
By fostering a holistic understanding of STEM, students not only gain insights into individual subject areas but also develop the critical thinking and problem-solving abilities essential for thriving in a rapidly evolving society.
To find out more about our STEM school trips, or enquire about one of our STEM trips in particular, please call us on 01273 648248. You can also fill out our webform, and our school trip experts will get back to you as soon as we can.
