The following workshops can be booked by secondary schools in Oxfordshire.
Individual sessions last for 60-120 minutes, but half day and whole day packages for up to 100 students can be put together, featuring multiple activities from the menu below. Workshops are delivered by trained members of staff from The Oxford Trust who will supply all non-standard laboratory equipment and consumables.
Prices
- Minimum half-day cost £120 + VAT
- Minimum full-day cost £200 + VAT
Alternatively most workshop kit can be borrowed by schools so they can run activities themselves for a lower cost. See our section on Kit Loan.
Wind Energy (KS3 & KS4, up to 40 pupils)
Students discuss the issues surrounding our energy generation and consumption before designing their own wind energy turbine. They test their designs in a wind tunnel, taking measurements to calculate which arrangement gives the maximum output power.
Tubular Framed Structures (KS3-KS5, up to 80 pupils)
Students work in small teams to design and construct towers, domes or bridges from rolled paper tubes that meet load-bearing, height, span and other specifications.
K'nex Construction (KS3 & KS4, up to 80 pupils)
Students design and build models from K'nex. Projects include opening bridges, motorised fairground rides, solar-powered vehicles, and buggies.
Rocket Design (KS3& KS4, up to 30 pupils)
Students build and test paper rockets fired from a compressed-air launcher at a target. They take readings of weight, air-pressure and accuracy in order to adapt and refine their design. Requires a room with a high ceiling or outdoors.
BIO-RAD DNA Necklace Workshop (KS3 & KS4, up to 30 pupils)
Pupils extract their own DNA from cheek cells using enzymes, a water bath and genuine laboratory techniques. At the end of the session they can each take their DNA home in a glass necklace. Extra costs for consumables apply.
DEMOCS (KS3 - KS5, up to 30 pupils)
This fact based workshop uses information and issue cards to give pupils enough basic information to discuss and deliberate on topical issues such as Animal Experimentation, Climate Change, GM Foods and Stem Cells.
Gearing (KS3 - KS5, up to 40 pupils)
An introduction to gears using TEKO or K'Nex. This activity challenges pupils to design and use a set of gears to increase the turning power of a motor.
Science and Enterprise
Our practical workshops can be extended and modified to include work-related learning and enterprise elements such as product development and unique selling points, prototypes and idea protection, pricing structures, cash flow forecasts and negotiation role play exercises.
For booking and for further information contact Natalie Ford, The Oxford Trust 01865 728953 or astrid.hayles@oxtrust.org.uk