Education at Herschel Museum
19 New King Street is a fully restored Georgian townhouse and formal garden. It captures the unique atmosphere of everyday life for an 18th century family. It was also the home of the German-born brother and sister William and Caroline Herschel. They earned a living as musicians and earned their place in history as astronomers. You can join Sirius the dog, a loveable Foppington hound, for your tour of the house. He’s very bright, like the star!
To look at our Education Leaflet click this link
Workshops are generally between one and half and two hours long and the charge is £3 per child unless higher material costs are involved. The space at the museum is rather limited but please call us with your numbers and we will do our best to structure the sessions to accommodate your requirements.
Contact 01225 446865
Early Years Workshops
We have a range of fun educational workshops for nursery and Foundation Stage children involving crafts, story-telling and role-play. Please contact us for details.
Key Stage 1 Workshops
AMAZING ASTRONOMY
Relates to units 1D,5E.
During this session, children will be introduced to some of the amazing objects that can be found in space. They will learn about the Sun, the Moon and the stars. There will be exciting stories about myths and constellations, and the children will have the chance to design and draw their very own star picture.
LIGHT FANTASTIC
Relates to units 1D, 3F, 6F.
In this workshop, children gain a basic understanding of light through identifying natural and man-made light sources. They will learn about the Sun, why we have day and night, and have some fun with shadows. Using prisms, they will discover that white light contains lots of colours, and draw their own rainbow. The workshop ends with a pair of fantastic rainbow glasses for each pupil to take home!
MEET WILLIAM AND CAROLINE
Relating to units: 5E but also ideal for all levels to improve investigative and practical scientific skills. History Units 2 and 18.
The children will learn about the life and work of William and Caroline Herschel through an examination and demonstration of the museum’s period objects. The difference in technology between the 18th century and the 21st century will also be explored. The children will then follow our KS1 trail around the museum.
This workshop is priced at £3.50 per child, and can also be adapted for KS2.
Key Stage 2 Workshops
SUN, STARS AND MOON
Relating to units: 5E.
In this workshop, pupils will learn about our Sun, the stars and the Moon – how the phases of the Moon and seasons are caused and why we see different stars at different times of year. They will learn some stories about seasonal constellations and have the chance to design up their own ‘star picture’.
PUZZLING PLANETS
Relating to units: 5C and 5E.
This workshop provides an introduction to the planets of the solar system and gives pupils the opportunity to identify and explore the differences between them. The pupils will design their own planet and write either a story or a newspaper article about the planet. Towards the end of the session, the pupils will present their planets to the rest of the group. Pupils will also get an opportunity to design a life form to inhabit their planet and learn about habitable atmospheres.
HIDDEN PLANETS, MISSING MOONS
Relates to units: 5E, 6E.
In this special workshop designed around the ‘Inspirations around the Sun’ exhibit currently showing at the Herschel Museum, students will learn about Orreries through the ages and how they have helped us to gain an understanding of the heavens. In groups, they will build their own moving model orrery of the Sun, Earth and Moon.
This workshop is also suitable for KS3.
Due to extra material costs, this workshop will be offered at £3.50 per child. Maximum group size: 25 students.
Seconday School Workshops
Coming soon…
Secondary and Tertiary students of architecture, building conservation, interior design and social history will find the Herschel Museum of unique importance. It is one of the very few examples of a restored and furnished town house that would have been lived in by people of ‘the middling class’. Students of women’s studies will be delighted to explore the life and work of Caroline Herschel and new exhibits relating to Margaret Bryan, an 18th century schoolmistress and pioneering astronomer dedicated to providing girls with an education in scientific areas.
Brownies, Guides and Scouts
The Herschel Museum of Astronomy is ideally suited for:
- Brownie packs wishing to complete their ‘Stargazer’ or ‘Science Investigator’ badge
- Cub Scouts completing the ‘Astronomer’, ‘Scientist’, or ‘Local Knowledge’ badges
- Girl Guides who want to ‘Go For It’ and find out about Space!
Contact us for details on what we have to offer.
PARTY BOOKING RATES FOR SCHOOL GROUPS
Groups of 10 or more:
All workshops £3 per head, unless otherwise stated.
Book on 01225 446865 or herschelbpt@btconnect.com.
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