Launchpad

Launchpad is our most popular gallery where students can explore:

• light
• materials
• energy transfer
• forces and motion
• electricity and magnetism
• sound

Developed in conjunction with teachers, students, accessibility experts and scientists, the hands-on exhibits encourage open-ended exploration, inquiry, questioning and discussion.

Find out more about the exhibits in the gallery.

Our team of friendly and knowledgeable Explainers will help your students make the most of the gallery by encouraging use of scientific skills such as hypothesising and making predictions.

Launchpad is set aside for different age groups on different days. Please check the Educators Calendar for dates for your key stage. 

Science Shows

When you book to visit Launchpad, you can also request to see one of our lively Science Shows. These are packed with demonstrations and seek lots of audience participation. They last 20 minutes and are free of charge.

The following shows will be performed for different age groups: 

• KS1: The Bubble Show  (bubbles)
• KS2: either Flash, Bang, Wallop (combustion) or Stronger by Design (structures)
• KS3: The Rocket Show (rockets and forces in space) 

We regret that we can't promise a particular show for KS2.