Science School Trips to the Netherlands

Science school trips to the Netherlands give students an interactive learning experience. At the Space Expo in Noordwijk and the NEMO science centre in Amsterdam they will be able to expand their knowledge and put some of it to the test in interactive and experimental displays, while the gardens of Keukenhof provide a case study in botanical science.

Space Expo, Noordwijk

The Space Expo in Noordwijk is Europe's first permanent space exhibition and the visitors' centre for the European Space Agency (ESA) in the Netherlands. It offers young learners the opportunity to expand their knowledge of space science. Students can discover the world of satellites with on-site test models from ESA missions, learn what early astronauts experienced on their moon missions and find out about modern astronauts' experiences of living and working in space. It is even possible to experience the simulated launch of an Ariane rocket, as if it was happening live. Groups on school trips can also take the Space Train to see ESTEC, the technical facility of the ESA.

NEMO, Amsterdam

Another fantastic learning centre for students on school trips is the NEMO science centre in Amsterdam. With four floors of hands-on science exhibits, it is the country's largest science centre and an excellent place for young people interested in the sciences to learn more and put some of their theories into practice.

The first floor focuses on DNA and chain reactions; there are also giant contraptions, like a flying car. The second floor focuses on a ball factory, where visiting students and tourists can group the balls, label them and send them away to a packing facility. Various films and acts involving science are displayed in a performance hall. The third floor is where student groups will most likely have the most fun: it features a giant science laboratory where they can conduct experiments. These include looking at DNA and testing for Vitamin C in various substances. The fourth floor is dedicated to the human mind, with experiments including sense tests, memory tests and mind problems. At the top, on the fifth floor, is an excellent view over the city. NEMO is an unbeatable destination for science school trips and one students will relish.

Keukenhof

Keukenhof (which means 'kitchen garden') is a change of pace from the Space Expo and NEMO. The world's largest flower garden, it collects a range of flowers - including the tulips for which the Netherlands is so famous - and provides youngsters on science school trips with a case study for breeding-led flower variety and hybridisation. There is also a Historical Garden, which grows old bulb plants. Though Keukenhof does not contain the famous long striped fields of tulips, it is surrounded by privately owned fields, which can be admired from the garden's grounds. The best time of year for seeing the tulips is typically mid-April.