School Trips to Geneva: A Great City of Science

Educators contemplating school trips for their science students have a wealth of options available, as valuable science lessons can be taken from almost anywhere; but choosing a destination with a reputation for scientific leadership and innovation can certainly help. Geneva is one such destination, with its exciting natural surroundings, fascinating range of museums and the jewel in its crown - the legendary CERN. For those thinking of organising a trip to this eye-opening city, here are just some of the great educational attractions that await.

Science History Museum

The Musee d'Histoire des Sciences is a great starting point for science students visiting Geneva on their school trips. Suitable for all ages and covering a wide array of scientific subjects, it is bound to contain something of interest to every year group and curriculum focus, as well as helping students to understand the value of scientific history and the fact that science is an ever-developing field. Situated in an attractive park by Lake Geneva, its collections range from some of the first batteries ever made to astronomical instruments, allowing visitors to trace the evolution of several different sciences. For those studying French, this is also an excellent opportunity for cross-curricular learning, with new vocabulary to learn in abundance.

CERN

CERN - or the European Organisation for Nuclear Research - is one of the reasons that Geneva is a destination like no other for science-based school trips. Founded in the 1950s, when it was known as the 'Conseil Europeen pour la Recherche Nucliaire' (hence the acronym CERN), it has become one of the world's most important and iconic research organisations. For budding young scientists, few things could be more inspirational than a visit to the site of the biggest particle physics lab in the world, home to the famous Large Hadron Collider. In true scientific spirit, its public exhibits are all geared towards helping visitors expand their knowledge and curiosity, with displays on the institution's history and the world of particle physics, as well as a programme of fascinating special exhibits.

Chamonix

Another feature that makes Geneva such a great destination for school trips, in any subject, is its multicultural atmosphere and access to France and Italy, which widens the potential for learning about different countries, languages, and land features. One especially good day trip that can be done for science students is Chamonix in France. With its proximity to Mont Blanc, it is a fantastic opportunity to see one of Europe's most awe-inspiring forces of nature up close: the Mer de Glace, a massive and beautiful glacier that flows from the mountain into the Chamonix valley. Also offering great curriculum links with geography, this is the perfect place to investigate glacier formation, the effects of glaciers on their surroundings, and the possibilities they provide for green energy.

8 Factors to Consider Before Buying Educational Toys

1.Age
Every age comes with a right toy. When yours is a toddler (12 to 36 months of age), you will have a choice of the usual kinds - stuffed toys, puzzles, balls, blocks, and toys with audio/enhanced visual features. If your child is older, there are more toys at range - electronic gadgets, coloring books, and more challenging puzzles. In general, toys have an age indicator on its packaging.

2.Level of Thinking
Although toddlers are usually at a common thought of level, we cannot say that there will be children with a more advanced level of thinking. You must compliment your child's level of thinking with the toys of choice. This way, his physical, emotional, and mental skills will be honed and integrated with the educational toys.

3.Safety
Every parent is always after the safety of his/her child. Usually, toys come with a warning, as to the packaging it comes in. Any child likes to put things in his/her mouth, so make sure you keep hazardous objects such as plastic away from your child.

4.Gender
It is common for us to not give our sons dolls and our daughters toy guns. Toys usually have a gender indicator. One wants to give his/her child the proper concept of sexual category to avoid gender confusion in the future.

5.Price
If we can get a certain toy at a cheaper price, but with the same function with one that is more expensive, we will usually purchase the former. Do not invest in very expensive toys, especially if your child's stage is at a rapid state of change - there is a possibility he will lose interest in the toys in very little time.

6.Quality
Although we want to opt for a lower-priced toy, what about the quality? You must be able to weigh the two. We are used to the notion that quality comes with a price, and that is right. Our responsibility, as always, is to be practical.

7.Accessibility
Get the toys with ease. If the toys come with a warranty, and you acquired them from another country or state, you will have a problem. Try to keep the toys at a reachable level.

8. Nature of Toy
When you purchase an educational toy, are you confident that it will indeed suit your child - that it is educational in a non-violent way? If your child insists on playing with something didactic but has negative effects on your child's intellectual and emotional behavior, you must stick to your judgment and try to look for alternatives - toys that will provide your child with education at a positively safe level.

Once you have thought these factors through, you will be able to choose the right educational toys for your child. It is imperative that you listen to what your child needs, weighing that with his wants, but never forgetting to add in, as a caring and responsible parent, on what you think is best.