Science school trips to Geneva
With a focus on physics and chemistry, our suggested itinerary below will introduce your science students to nuclear research with a visit to CERN in Geneva, home to the European hub of nuclear research. The world’s largest particle physics research laboratory, where physicists and engineers are probing the fundamental structure of the universe, your group will learn about the major contributions that the 8000 scientists and engineers in the CERN community have made to the understanding of our universe. Across, on the other side of Lake Geneva, the hydroelectric power generator at The Emosson Dam, with its stunning views, will offer students the opportunity to learn about renewable energy and electricity. The Bex Salt Mines is another great opportunity to study chemistry. A labyrinth of passages and tunnels, students will visit the museum and mine, which today yields over 30,000 tons of salt each year.
Suggested Itineraries
Our team of specialists can tailor-make any itinerary based on your curricular requirements, have a look at some of our suggested itineraries.
Accommodation
We choose properties which are suited to school groups. Audits are carried out on all properties featured, covering all safety and security concerns.
Excursions
We have subject-specific excursions that tick all the boxes for your curricular needs as well as providing life-enhancing cultural experiences.
Suggested Itinerary
GCSE DETAILED
Developed by Equity’s Science Specialist
Geneva – GCSE Science, Additional Science, Chemistry and Physics
Aimed at GCSE science students, this itinerary has been developed in partnership with Equity's science consultant, an experienced teacher of the subject.
-
day
1
Theme: Particle physics
- This morning travel to Geneva. Afternoon visit to CERN*, where students will discover how physicists and engineers probe the fundamental structure of the universe. They will learn about the use of the Large Hadron Collider, the biggest particle accelerator in the world, and how the use of such instruments provides insight in to the laws of nature. Land mark discoveries such as the Higgs boson particle will also be discussed.
*NB: Schools have to book CERN themselves.
-
day
2
Theme: Renewable energy
- Spend this morning visiting Emosson Dam, where students will have the opportunity to study renewable energy, focusing on hydroelectric power. Students will learn about the power output of the dam’s two power stations, as well as the design and construction of the dam.
- Afternoon visit to Bex Salt Mines, which provides opportunities for students to learn about mining techniques and the value of salt in a modern economy. A train can be taken to the heart of the mine.
BASIC
-
day
1
Theme: Particle physics
-
day
2
Theme: Renewable energy
- Emosson Dam
- Bex Salt Mines
- Return to airport for flight home
NB: Schools have to book CERN themselves.
Price from: £349
Price details
- TOUR PRICE (low season) - £349 (high season Feb HT) -£399 - based on 35 students + 3 teachers / LON flights excl APD / Excursions as per itinerary (pls note that schools have to book the CERN themselves.)
Price includes:
- Return international flights
- Return airport transfers by coach in Switzerland
- 1 nights' accommodation in Geneva Youth Hostel.
- Breakfast
- Dinner daily
- Standard Insurance
- Entrance to the Emosson Dam
- Entrance to the Bex Salt Mines
KEY TOPIC: Particle physics
Particle Physics
- Cern
KEY TOPIC: Energy
Renewable Energy
- Emosson Dam
KEY TOPIC: Materials from Earth
Materials from earth
- Bex Salt mines
Curriculum Links
AQA
*Based on GCSE science taught from September 2016 onwards
AQA GCSE Physics (8463)
- Topic 1. Energy
- Topic 4: Atomic structure
AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy (8464)
- Chemistry Topic 1. Atomic structure and the Periodic Table
- Chemistry Topic 10. Using resources
- Physics Topic 1. Energy
- Physics Topic 4. Atomic structure
AQA GCSE Combined Science: Synergy (8465)
- Topic 1. Building blocks
- Topic 5. Building blocks for understanding
- Topic 7. Movement and interactions
- Topic 8. Guiding spaceship Earth towards a sustainable future
Pearson (EDEXCEL)
Pearson (EDEXCEL) GCSE (9-1) Physics (1PH0)
- Topic 3. Conservation of energy
- Topic 6. Radioactivity
Pearson (EDEXCEL) GCSE (9-1) Chemistry (1CH0)
- Topic 1. Key concepts in chemistry
- Topic 4. Extracting metals and equilibria
Pearson (EDEXCEL) GCSE (9-1) Combined Science (1SC0)
Chemistry 1:
- Topic 4. Extracting metals and equilibria
Physics 1:
- Topic 3. Conservation of energy
- Topic 6. Radioactivity
OCR GCSE
OCR GCSE (9-1) Gateway Science Physics A (J249)
- Topic P1. Matter
- Topic P8: Global challenges
OCR GCSE (9-1) Twenty First Century Science Physics B (J259)
- Chapter P2: Sustainable energy
- Chapter P5: Radioactive materials
OCR GCSE (9-1) Gateway Science Combined Science A (J250)
- Topic C1. Particles
- Topic P6: Global challenges
OCR GCSE (9-1) Twenty First Century Science Combined Science B (J260)
- Chapter C3: Chemicals of the natural environment
- Chapter P2: Sustainable energy
- Chapter P5: Radioactive materials
WJEC GCSE
WJEC GCSE in Physics – For Schools in Wales
- Unit 1.2: Generating electricity
- Unit 1.4: Domestic electricity
- Unit 2.7: Types of radiation
WJEC GCSE in Chemistry – For Schools in Wales
- Unit 1.2: Atomic structure and the Periodic Table
- Unit 1.6: Limestone
- Unit 2.3: Metals and their extraction
- Unit 2.6: Reversible reactions, industrial processes and important chemicals
WJEC GCSE in Science (Double Award) – For Schools in Wales
- Unit.2.2: Atomic structure and the Periodic Table
- Unit 3.2: Generating electricity
- Unit 3.4: Domestic electricity
- Unit 5.3: Metals and their extraction
- Unit 6.5: Types of radiation
WJEC GCSE in Applied Science (Single Award) – For Schools in Wales
- Unit 1.1. Modern living and energy
- Unit 1.2 Obtaining resources from our planet
- Unit 1.4 Protecting our environment
WJEC GCSE in Applied Science (Double Award) – For Schools in Wales
- Unit 1.2 Modern living and energy
- Unit 1.3: Obtaining resources from our planet
- nit 1.4: Protecting our environment
- Unit 2.6: Reversible reactions, industrial processes and important chemicals
EDUQAS GCSE
EDUQAS GCSE in Physics – For Schools in England
- Topic 1: Energy
- Topic 9: Atomic structure
EDUQAS GCSE in Chemistry – For Schools in England
- Topic 2: Particles and atomic structure
- Topic 6: Reactivity series and extraction of metals
- Topic 11: Use and disposal of important chemicals and materials
EDUQAS GCSE Combined Science – For Schools in England
- Physics Topic 1; Energy
- Physics Topic 9: Atomic structure
- Chemistry Topic 2: Particles and atomic structure
- Chemistry Topic 6: Reactivity series and extraction of metals.
- Chemistry Topic 11: Use and disposal of important chemicals and materials
Accommodation
Geneva Youth Hostel
- Close to Lake Geneva and restaurants
- Common room available
Positioned in a quiet area, this hostel has great facilities for schools including a picnic area and common living room with TV.
Location: Lake Geneva is only 250 yards away. The Gautier Bus Stop (tram line 1) is a 4-minute walk away and Geneva Airport can be reached within 15 minutes by car. The hostel is also close to Parc Mon Repos (a large public park area).
Facilities: Facilities include a common living room with a TV, on-site restaurant, a shared-use kitchen, a conference room and garden area.
Accommodation: Geneva Hostel offers multi-bed rooms ranging from 4 bed, 6 bed, 8 bed, 10 bed, or 12 bed bunks with a variation of en-suite and shared bathroom facilities.
Meals: A buffet breakfast is included and evening meals can be arranged at the hotel's Swiss restaurant.
Quick Tip: This is just a small sample of possible accommodations available. Please contact us for more information.
Subject Specific Excursions
CERN
Founded in 1954, CERN is the world's largest particle physics research laboratory and home to a community of 8000 scientists and engineers, representing over 100 different nationalities. Through fundamental research into particle physics, CERN has made a major contribution to the understanding of our universe.
Emosson Dam
Visit this impressive water dam surrounded by stunning views. Lac d'Emosson is a reservoir in the canton of Valais, Switzerland. It is located in the municipalities of Salvan and Finhaut. The closest major city in Switzerland is Martigny. The lake has a surface area of 3.27 km² and an elevation of 1,930m. The maximum depth is 161m. The purpose of the dam is hydroelectric power generation.
Bex Salt Mines
The Bex Salt mines are a vast maze of passages, shafts, stairs and gigantic caverns. Their total length spreads to almost 50 km, leading underground to the villages of Villars, Chesières and Arveyes.
Quick Tip: If you have an excursion in mind which you don't see listed, please get in touch so we can do our best to arrange it for you!
Enquire now
Call our friendly team today on 01273 648 248 or submit your details online below and we'll get back to you soon!
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