Science Night FAQ

What happens on Science Night?

A typical Science Night programme looks like this:

18.45 Doors open and registration
19.05 Set up camp and attend Health and Safety Talk
19.55 Hands-on workshop
20.40 Science Show
21.20 Snack break
22.10 Gallery-based activity
23.10 Getting ready for bed

06.45 Wake up
07.15 Breakfast
07.45 Visit a hands-on gallery and watch a 3D IMAX film
09.40 Prize-giving
10.00 Science Night finishes, Museum and shop open.

You are welcome to stay in the Museum for as long as you wish after a Science Night.

What party sizes are allowed?

For Science Nights in 2012 the minimum group size we allow is five children and one adult. For Science Nights in 2013 we are changing things a little:

• Families can bring up to six people but we recommend that the number of adults does not outweigh the number of children.
• For schools the minimum group size will be five children and one adult. There is no maximum group size, but we don’t recommend bringing more than 60 children on any one night.

How many adults do we need?

To ensure adequate supervision overnight, your group will need the following number of adults:

Families: at least one adult
School groups: a minimum of one adult for every six children as follows:

• All girl group: one female adult for every 5-6 children
• All boy group: one female or one male adult for every 5-6 children
• Mixed group: two female adults or one female and one male adult for every 5-9 children.

Please bear this in mind when you are getting ready to make a booking.

What are the sleeping arrangements?

Your group will remain together for the whole event and will sleep in the same gallery, but there are different arrangements for schools and families:

• Families: all sleep together in the ‘Family Zone’
• Schools: boys and girls have separate sleeping areas. Female adults may sleep in either area, however male adults may only sleep on the male side of the gallery.

What are my responsibilities as a Group Leader?

Science Night is supervised by experienced staff however as a Group Leader you are responsible for ensuring everyone in your party has a safe and enjoyable experience. We expect you to:

• ensure all children are the correct age
• ensure your group adheres to the Science Night rules set out in the Health and Safety Talk on the night
• keep your group together and under control at all times
• address the behaviour of children in your group if they are impacting on the enjoyment of other campers
• ensure your group doesn’t disturb those who are sleeping.

Will we get any sleep?

For some children this will be the most exciting night of their lives so far! As a result it is very difficult for them to get to sleep. We try and encourage groups to keep noise to a minimum, but please don’t expect to get your normal quota of beauty sleep.

How do I prepare for my group’s big night and what do I bring?

Our Campers’ Survival Guide (PDF, 855kb) and Group Leader Survival Pack (PDF, 460KB) will give you all the information you’ll need to prepare for the night.

Can I bring an inflatable mattress?

As inflatable mattresses cause a trip hazard we do not allow them on Science Nights. However, we do provide camping mats.

Do we need to bring food?

Campers must provide their own packed evening snack.

We supply breakfast, which is likely to include a croissant, a cereal bar, a piece of fruit and a fruit drink. There is tea and coffee for the adults.

I need to write a risk assessment - can you help me?

Please refer to the Risk Assessment information (PDF, 104KB)  which has all the health and safety information you will need to help you assess this event.

Are there provisions for children with special educational needs?

We can provide a special educational needs coordinator to give help and advice on the night. We can also arrange a British Sign Language interpreter for any of our Science Nights.

Please let us know when booking if you require either of these services.

When do we need to arrive and how do we get there?

Science Night starts at 18.45 and groups are allowed to enter at this time through the Science Museum’s Main Entrance on Exhibition Road.

The nearest tube station is South Kensington (Piccadilly, District and Circle lines).

Can I cancel my booking?

If you need to cancel your booking or reduce numbers, you must tell us at least 14 days before the date of your booked Science Night. We regret that later cancellations or reductions can not be accommodated.

How do I find out the dates for upcoming Science Night?

Subscribe to our Science Night e-newsletter and we will send you e-mails as soon as new dates are released.