Key Stage 3: How Science Works
Object-rich galleries
Compare your home computer with Babbage's Difference Engine No. 2 in this gallery on the history of the computer. Watch the video on Babbage's ingenious machine, or learn about the mathematical instruments used before the invention of computers.
The ingenious use of steam to generate power helped Britain become the world’s first industrial nation. The steam engines in this gallery range from the earliest type used to the turbines that still generate power today.
Unravel the connection between apricot tins and kidney machines, scanners and 'jedi' helmets, in this provocative exhibition on developments in twentieth century medicine.
In this game, you can explore how science and technology might affect your life in the future. With other visitors, decide whether new technological developments - such as space tourism to male pregnancy - should or should not go ahead.
The Mathematics Gallery exhibits mathematical instruments and models from the seventeenth century to present day, including mechanical calculators, slide-rules, drawing instruments and polyhedra.
Trace the development of long-distance communications from submarine cables to satellites. This history of the telegraph, telephone and radio is illustrated with many original objects and hands-on displays.
This fascinating exhibition explores the science of you. See how new discoveries in genetics, brain science and psychology are helping us learn more about ourselves. How similar and different are you from other people and from other animals?
Special exhibitions
Explore how astronomy has changed the way we see our universe - and ourselves - through this object-rich exhibition.
This December, 192 countries will meet in Copenhagen to agree a global action plan for tackling climate change. Explore the evidence that human activity is behind climate change and decide whether you support a strong, fair deal at Copenhagen.