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Chemistry School Trips and Workshops

Chemical reactions, processes, states of matter, properties and materials



Where can UK schools find chemistry-focused trips and workshops to explore reactions, elements, and materials?

Chemistry school trips in the UK include hands-on sessions at science centres and museums demonstrating experiments, molecular structures, and everyday applications, ideal for Key Stage 3 and 4 students to deepen understanding of the periodic table and chemical processes safely and excitingly.

Chemistry is the science of matter and is often described as the central science because of its links to biology and physics. The modern practices of Chemistry can be dated back to the Ancient Egyptians, and by 1000BC civilisations were developing techniques that demonstrated an understanding of chemical reactions such as producing medicines from plants, extracting metals from ore and fermentation.

Chemistry in the class room doesn't need to be about trawling through text books or trying to memorise the periodic table, practical activities are fun and help motivate pupils to learn and enjoy the subject. I can certainly remember those basic chemistry experiments such as igniting magnesium (so it burns with a bright white flame!) and removing the tarnish from a 2 penny piece, so why not take these sorts of experiences outside the confines of the school lab.

There are some fantastic Science centres in the UK that offer materials and properties demonstrations and engaging work shops designed to inspire future scientists, and by taking your class on such school trips you'll not only be the cool science teacher but you may also encourage the scientists of tomorrow to pursue Chemistry as a career path. Find out more about chemistry in British Science Week

Find a school trip or workshop for the following Chemistry topics: Chemical Reactions, Everyday materials, Food Science, Properties and changes of materials, Rocks, Scientists and inventors, States of Matter, and more.

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Popular school trip November 2026 !

Cambridge Science Centre

location icon East of England
apple iconScience, Biology, Chemistry, Physics


Chemistry: Basic reactions and chemical processes Chemistry States Of Matter Properties Materials Chemical Reactions Chemical Reactions We cover a range of chemisty-based subjects in our varied workshops. Please download our brochure from our website....

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Immersive Experiences
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Our domes can showcase over 200 films to help with this part of the syllabus, with chemistry material for all ages. Also, we have our board games: Reaction! The Interactive Chemistry Trading Game...
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Immersive Chemistry
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Bring chemistry to life through immersive 360° dome experiences and hands-on workshops. Students explore atoms, molecules, reactions, states of matter, and chemical processes in a highly visual,...
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Explosive Chemistry Lessons with Minecraft
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This workshop is crafted to align with the chemistry curriculum, offering a dynamic and immersive learning experience. It is flexible and can be customized to address the specific requirements and...
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Fab Science In-school Workshops
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Use real lab equipment to carry out experiments, explore chemical reactions and be scientists. Potty Potions - whole school theme day with a Hogwarts theme States of Matter workshop (Y4) - melting,...
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models of space shuttle and moon
STEM Fairs
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We have a range of high-quality chemistry films about the periodic table, molecules and the early universe and so forth, along with qualified chemistry teachers who will be on-hand to inspire and inform your students through the event.
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Science Week Spectacular
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Dan Tastic Education uses a wide array of props, historical items, scientific equipment, videos, group discussion and teacher in role style student participation to cover the following topics during a...
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Augmented Reality
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Bring learning to life with Augmented Reality experiences that blend the real world with interactive digital content. Students explore science, space, wildlife, history, and STEM through exciting hands-on AR activities that boost engagement
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Fab Science Online
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Both the Super Science Show and Professor Fab's potions class include colour-changing potions, fizzy explosion and dry ice.
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Xplore! Science Outreach
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Colour Changing Chemicals Bring chemistry to life with investigations that reveal the fascinating behaviour of chemicals! Pupils develop practical laboratory skills, learn to follow...
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stars and dust cloud
Cosmic Chemistry
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From the lightest to the heaviest elements, we explain how atoms are forged in the hearts of stars, through the pulsing of planetary nebulae, and rapidly created in explosive events at the and of a...
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The globe theatre recreation
Cultural Tour of London for International Schools
map pin London & South East

Museums and palaces overflowing with art, science and history, incredible theatre shows in the West End, bustling Oxford Street and Covent Garden, and iconic Big Ben and Trafalgar Square! London is the perfect destination for a cultural tour.
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KS1 school children building a structure during a STEM workshop
STEM Workshops for Any Location
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Our Little STEAMers classes and workshops for EYFS cover chemistry topics (e.g. chemical reactions, properties of materials, changes of state) in an age-appropriate way. We cover a wide range of Engineers, Inventors and Innovators in our KS1 & KS2 workshops and assemblies.
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Xplore! Science Discovery Centre
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Colour Changing Chemicals Bring chemistry to life with investigations that reveal the fascinating behaviour of chemicals! Pupils develop practical laboratory skills, learn to follow...
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A science exhibit at Cambridge Science Centre
Cambridge Science Centre
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Chemistry: Basic reactions and chemical processes Chemistry States Of Matter Properties Materials Chemical Reactions Chemical Reactions We cover a range of chemisty-based subjects in our varied workshops. Please download our brochure from our website.
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Souther Water poster for water management workshop
New Wave - Beyond the Drain tour - Hampshire
map pin East of England

During the visit we will follow the stages of wastewater treatment: filtration/screening and grit removal to remove large particles, sedimentation allowing tiny particles to settle out from still...
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KS3 escape room group
Real Life Escape Room At School
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Our Mobile Escape Room is truly immersive experience that will give any event a WOW factor. With two different themes, this unique vehicle allows students a chance to take part in a fully functioning escape room without leaving the school grounds.
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Creative School Trips
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Science tours may include vistis to the Science Museum, and to other sites and attractions across the UK where students can experience practical activities, guided tours, talks and academic lessons...
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group of children learning to use Virtual Reality headsets
VRXtra Kingston - Science in Virtual Reality
map pin London & South East

Discover the fascinating world of chemistry through exciting, hands-on activities that reveal what everything is made of and how substances behave. Students explore atoms, materials, reactions and the...
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school group doing an escape room exercise
Science School Escape Rooms
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Primary Schools - We deliver a generic Science Escape with a mix of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Secondary Schools - We deliver a generic Science Escape with a specifically design Chemistry Escape for GCSE years.
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water treatment facility at southern water
New Wave - Beyond the Drain tour - East Sussex
map pin East of England

During the visit we will follow the stages of wastewater treatment: filtration/screening and grit removal to remove large particles, sedimentation allowing tiny particles to settle out from still...
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Chemistry School Trips - Frequently Asked Questions (Teachers Edition)

Why choose chemistry trips?
It's all about the bangs and bubbles - kids love seeing reactions happen in real life, like mixing acids or making slime, and it makes abstract concepts like elements and bonds tangible. For secondary, it helps with practical skills exams love, without the cleanup in your own lab.

Workshop at school or trip out?
If your lab isn't kitted out or you want something special, workshops bring the gear for safe experiments like elephant toothpaste or chromatography (£180-£450). Trips to science centres give the bigger picture, such as industrial chemistry. We mix it: workshops for Year 7 intro, trips for Year 10 revision.

Free chemistry experiences?
Yes - the Science Museum, London has free chemistry galleries; local universities sometimes run free demo days. Parks for simple reactions like rusting or photosynthesis walks are zero cost. Book ahead for groups.

Top 10 chemistry school trips (2026 check):

1. Science Museum, London (interactive chemistry labs, free)
2. Catalyst Science Discovery Centre, Widnes (chemical industry, reactions)
3. Manchester Museum of Science & Industry (power, energy demos)
4. In-school Potty Potions workshops (fun explosions)
5. Royal Society of Chemistry events (free demos at universities)
6. Jodrell Bank (chemistry in space)
7. Eden Project (plant chemistry, sustainability)
8. Bristol We The Curious (elements, reactions)
9. Glasgow Science Centre (materials, states of matter)
10. Local water treatment plants (real-world chemistry tours)

Chemistry trips for SEND:
Contact venues early - Catalyst has adjustable experiments; Science Museum offers quiet times. For workshops, request no loud bangs. Visual aids work well for non-verbal kids; plan breaks and have familiar staff.

Budget guide:
- Free galleries + bus: £4-£12 per pupil
- Discovery centres: £6-£15 entry
- Workshops: £180-£450 per session
- Multi-day STEM camps: £120-£250 per child

Shop around and check university-run free workshops.

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