Educators' Information
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.
Launchpad 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.
Launchpad has a team of friendly, knowledgeable Explainers who are there to help you make the most of your visit. They support your group’s investigations around the exhibits, as well as giving gallery demonstrations and science shows to further your understanding.
Watch a Teachers TV programme about visiting Launchpad
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
