Launchpad

Launchpad is the Science Museum's most popular hands-on gallery. Key themes explored are Light, Materials, Energy Transfer, Forces and Motion, Electricity and Magnetism and Sound. The gallery was developed in conjunction with teachers, students, accessibility experts and scientists.

The hands-on exhibits encourage open-ended exploration and inquiry as well as discussion and questioning. Students of all abilities will be in control, coming up with their own questions and discovering the answers for themselves.

Our team of friendly and knowledgeable Explainers will help your students make the most of the gallery. They'll support your group’s investigations around the exhibits, as well as presenting exciting demonstrations and Science Shows.

Watch a Teachers TV programme about visiting Launchpad

As part of your visit to Launchpad, you can request to see one of our lively Science Shows:

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

Plan and book a visit

Before booking please check the Educator's Calendar for dates for your Key Stage.

Curriculum links and Resources 

Key Stage 1
A hands-on gallery that’s great for investigating light, sound, electricity, forces, energy and materials. It’s reserved for KS1 on particular days, so please check the calendar.
Ear Gongs
Extendable Bonko
Rocket Mice

Key Stage 2
Launchpad gives your students a wealth of opportunities for hands-on investigation and open-ended questioning to support the themes of electricity, forces and motion, light, sound and materials and their properties. Special calendar days have been reserved for your age group.
Magnetic Pennies
Launchball educators’ guide
Play Launchball
Nail Trick
360° Periscope
3D Shadows
Shape-Shifting Slime
Ear Gongs
Extendable Bonko
Rocket Mice

Key Stage 3
Launchpad supports your students' scientific thinking, practical and enquiry skills as well as reinforcing concepts related to energy, electricity and forces. Check the calendar for our Key Stage 3 days.
360° Periscope
Magnetic Pennies
Launchball educators’ guide
Play Launchball
Fire Proof Paper
Mousetrap Drag Racer
Burning Money
Shape-Shifting Slime
Pocket Motor

Key Stage 4
A hands-on gallery that’s great for investigating light, sound, electricity, forces, energy and materials. It’s reserved for different Key Stages on different days, so please check appropriate dates for your pupils on the calendar.
Shape-Shifting Slime