STO looks at ways of inspiring more girls to develop an interest in Science with school trips.
It's no secret that there is still a gender imbalance between men and women when it comes to Science carers. Over the years, studies have suggested various reasons for the skew; from a lack of encouragement from parents to the effects of gender stereotyping within the fields of Science.
Earlier this year London School of Economics released the results of a survey that suggested girls' interests in Science peaks around the age of 11 and then rapidly falls off a cliff.
"This means that governments, teachers and parents only have four or five years to nurture girls' passions before they turn their backs on these areas, potentially for good," explained LSE's professor Martin Bauer who helped coordinate the study.
With this in mind, STO has selected a range of school trips linked to Science that will benefit both sexes, but should appeal especially to girls.
Cadbury World, Birmingham
Key Stage 4 pupils visiting Cadbury World can take part in a Science talk following a tour of the attraction. The talk offers an overview of Cadbury products and the chocolate industry, delivers insights into the workings of Cadbury's Science and Technology department, and highlights the role of the Sensory Evaluator (chocolate taster). The talk also touches on health and safety in the workplace.
L'Oreal Young Scientist Centre, London
At L'Oreal Young Scientist Centre Key Stage 2 pupils can take part in a Chemistry workshop in which they get to make their own cosmetics. The session lasts four hours and, during it, pupils will learn all about acids and alkaline, the properties of oils and waxes, pH levels, and states of change. They will then get to put these principles into action by creating their own bath bomb or lip balm.
National Space Centre, Leicester
Pupils visiting the National Space Centre can learn about Helen Sharman – Britain's first female astronaut. Until Tim Peake launched in 2015, she was the only British astronaut to fly under the UK flag.
At the National Space centre pupils will get to see the launch couch that Helen sat in as she set off into space, as well as her training suit. Then children can see what it's like to be an astronaut for themselves as they take part in a role play mission in the Challenger Learning Centre.
Florence Nightingale Museum, London
The Florence Nightingale Museum celebrates the achievements and life of the woman who is considered to be the founder of modern nursing. Trips to the museum are an option for both Primary and Secondary pupils.
The museum is hosting a teacher's evening on 22nd November to allow Key Stage 3 and 4 teachers to find out more about the on-site education programme and how visits can be linked to specific curriculum needs. The evening includes a tour of the Old Operating Theatre Museum next door.
Cockpit Arts, London
Cockpit Arts houses the workshops of 170 craftspeople and makers. Schools can organise tailored visits to the studios in Holborn that include a visit to and talk from two of the onsite makers. Science is involved in many of the artistic processes at the studios. The craftspeople carry out all sorts of techniques from paper marbling to ceramic work.
