Techniquest Foundation Phase

Techniquest’s dynamic science and maths programmes can be delivered at its Cardiff Bay centre or at your school.  All Foundation Phase programmes cover the seven areas of learning balanced between presenter-led learning and child-initiated activities.

All Techniquest Foundation Phase programmes are presented with the help of Delyth, a cheeky inquisitive young dragon, who is on hand to answer questions and inspire pupils in science and mathematics.  Whether the programmes are delivered in Techniquest’s Cardiff Bay Science Centre or via Outreach at your school, the seven areas of learning are covered, and balanced between presenter-led learning and child initiated activities.

At Techniquest, each programme consists of a Science Theatre show, time on the exhibition floor among the 120 hands-on exhibits, and practical activities in Delyth’s Den.  Pre and post-visit materials offer teachers a complete package of activities to support their teaching.

Each lively presentation in the Science Theatre lasts approximately 25 minutes, after which pupils explore the exhibition floor.  Here they are guided by their own curiosity, and engage with a variety of interactive exhibits that encourage them to experiment.  Pupils will have time to explore skills and ideas introduced in the Science Theatre through the additional activities in Delyth’s Den.

Teachers are provided with digital cameras to record their pupils’ activities on the exhibition floor.  Images are then downloaded onto a memory stick - which includes resource materials – that teachers can take back to their classrooms to help pupils to reflect on their visit and develop their ideas back at school.

School visits are so well organised so that teachers can simply focus on the learning experience; upon arrival, Techniquest staff explain the logistics of the visit to make sure the day runs smoothly.

Areas can be reserved for pupils to have packed lunches and Cafe Quest serves drinks, snacks and hot food on-site.

At your school you can choose between a day of interactive shows or Planetarium sessions in Techniquest’s portable inflatable Starlab.  Whichever you decide to book, each option offers a highly interactive experience for all pupils, plus pre and post-visit support resources.

All programmes are designed to encourage pupils to learn through investigation, discussion, and collaboration.  Pupils must identify, collect and organise information in order to answer questions and complete challenges. 

If you choose interactive shows you can transform your school hall into a Science Theatre! The variety of shows covers a wide range of topics encouraging pupils to question ideas and think independently.  Post-visit support resources are available on Techniquest’s website to extend the learning experience.

Techniquest’s Starlab is a mobile inflatable planetarium that brings the night sky to your school hall.  It can be easily set up in under 30 minutes and easily deflated to accommodate other uses of the hall during the day.

All school visits are organised over the telephone prior to the visit so that on the day teachers can simply focus on the learning experience.

Full details of Techniquest Foundation Phase programme, including details of Science Theatre and Planetarium shows in Cardiff Bay and interactive shows and Starlab which are delivered at your school, are available in our downloadable programme (PDF supplied)