Thinktank is an award-winning science museum with over 200 science and technology hands-on displays, plus a digital Planetarium and outdoor Science Garden. At Thinktank we believe that learning and fun go hand in hand. Let your pupils experience a world of discovery all under one roof.

To make the most of your visit we have provided comprehensive information for teachers bringing pupils on a visit to Thinktank. See below for information about our Discovery Days, as well as useful pre-visit and on the day information.

What to expect from your visit

About our Discovery Days

To make the most of your museum experience we have simplified the way to choose your visit and activities on site.

At Thinktank you can choose a full or half-day Discovery Day package that operates within social distancing measures. Discovery learning days aim to help teachers and students access core activities whilst providing controlled guidance and practical handwashing, toileting and lunchtime support during your visit.

Alongside our regular Thinktank set Discovery Day packages, schools will have the ability to build their own unique day too. This process will help us support controlled access and activity on site whist supporting a great learning experience. Find out more about the build your own Discovery Days further below. 

To see what sessions we have on offer, including Discovery Day packages and build your own Discovery Days, check out our Thinktank on-site sessions webpage.

Build your own Discovery Days

Choose from a selection of workshops, shows and planetarium sessions along with a guided gallery visit, to make the most of your full day or half day activities.

• For half day visit choose two sessions - first session from categories A, B or C and the second session from category D. For example: Key stage 2 class take part in an Amazing Animal workshop followed by a guided tour of the Wildlife gallery.
• For full day visit choose three sessions -  session 1 and 2 can be a combination of any workshops, shows and a timed slot for your planetarium from categories A, B or C visit, along with a guided gallery visit for session 3 from category D. For Example: Key stage 1 class take part in Destination Space: One Big Journey science show for session one, Dino Discovery for session two, lunch. Ending the day visit with a guide tour of Mini Brum.

Please see below for 'build your own discovery day' options listed by Key Stage:

EYFS and Key Stage 1

Category A: Science Show

• Destination Space: One Big Journey 
• Colour Me A Rainbow

Category B: Workshop

• We’re going on a Bear Hunt
• Our Amazing Bodies
• Dino Discovery
• Germs Journey

Category C: Planetarium 

• Night Dome

Category D: Gallery Visit

• Level 0: Move It or Power Up
• Level 1: We Made It
• Level 2: Wildlife or Things About Me
• Level 3: Futures or Mini Brum

Key Stage 2

Category A: Science Show

• Cauldron Chemistry
• Electrifying Science
• Luminous Light
• Space Mission
• Under Your Skin
• Fabulous Forces

Category B: Workshop

• Changing Materials
• Rocket Science
• Forces and Friction
• Rocks Around Us
• Amazing Animals
• Dino Discovery
• ExoMars
• Forensic Investigators
• Cracking Coding

Category C: Planetarium

• Earth and Beyond

Category D: Gallery Visit

• Level 0: Move It or Power Up
• Level 1: We Made It
• Level 2: Wildlife or Things About Me
• Level 3: Futures or Mini Brum

Key Stage 3

Category A: Science Show

• Science of Sport
• Energy Show
• Explore your Universe (KS3 and 4)

Category B: Workshop

• Forensic Investigators
• Cracking Coding
• Destination Space: Exploring the James Webb Telescope
• Destination Space: Spaceports
• Genes to Go

Category C: Planetarium

• Out into Orbit
• Exploring the Atom
• Journey into the Cell

Category D: Gallery Visit

• Level 0: Move It or Power Up
• Level 1: We Made It
• Level 2: Wildlife or Things About Me
• Level 3: Futures or Mini Brum

Self-Guided Visits

Self-guided visits are not currently available at Thinktank. 

Home Educators

We offer a warm welcome to Home Educating groups. All of our taught sessions are available for home education groups. We can adapt the content of the taught sessions to fit with mixed age groups, abilities and needs. A minimum charge may apply.

Pre-Visit Information

How to Contact Us

All visits require advanced booking - this includes teacher previews and taught sessions.

For enquiries or to make a booking contact the Education Bookings Team on 0121 348 8001 or email educationbookings@birminghammuseums.org.uk

Address

Thinktank
Millennium Point
Curzon Street
Birmingham
B4 7XG

Risk Assessment

A new version of this risk assessment will be available week commencing 21st Sept. Download the schools risk assessment (PDF) for Thinktank.

Teacher Previews

If you are a first time visitor to it is recommended that a member of your teaching staff attends a pre-visit. Download the pre-visit registration form (PDF) to arrange your pre-visit. Proof of teacher status must be shown at the ticket desk on entry (e.g. General Teaching Council membership, union membership card or signed headed school paper). Please contact the booking team to arrange this. 

Disabled Access

Thinktank is fully accessible. 

Packed Lunches

Packed lunches can now be pre-ordered and will be ready for you on arrival in the picnic area. To pre-order packed lunches download the packed lunch order form (PDF).

Goody Bags

Goody bags are available to pre-order and can either be paid for on the day or via invoice to your school. We can prepare your own individual goody bags. For more details and to pre-order your bags download the goody bag order form (Word format) and send this to educationbookings@birminghammuseums.org.uk

Pupil / Teacher Ratio

• For Foundation and KS1 groups a minimum of 1 adult to every 6 children is required.
• For KS2 and over a minimum of 1 adult for every 10 children is required.

A failure to meet these ratios may result in your session being cancelled upon arrival.

On the Day Information

Arrival 

School groups should arrive 15 minutes before the start of their first taught session. This will allow for pupils to disembark from the coach, drop off lunch bags and visit the toilets.

Late arrival may result in your taught sessions being shortened. Sessions cannot be carried over due to other groups and activities around the museum.

Coach Drop Off and Parking

There is no on-site mini bus or coach parking available. The coach drop off point is located on Cardigan Street (B4 7BD) which is a short walking distance to Thinktank’s group entrance. From 31st October 2016, the coach drop-off point will be on Curzon Street (B4 7XG) which is opposite Thinktank’s main entrance. If you travel by car you will be expected to pay the car parking charges for the Birmingham City Council multi-storey car park.

Schools Entrance

The schools entrance is situated on level 0.

Classrooms

There are six dedicated classroom spaces: two fully equipped for general use; one for KS1 use; a LEGO Innovation Studio; one science laboratory and a Early Years classroom in MiniBrum.

Lunch Area

There is a dedicated lunch area situated on level 0. Please pre-book when making your booking, this is only available for full discovery day visits.

Cloakroom

The cloakroom with trolleys is situated on Level 0. Items are left at owners’ risk.

Toilets 

School toilets and disabled toilets are on all levels.

Museum Shop

The gift shop is located on Level 2. Pupils are welcome to visit the shop as part of their day. We ask that a maximum of 60 pupils visit the shop at one time.

Pupil Behaviour

• It is the responsibility of the class teachers and accompanying adults to control the behaviour of pupils
• Pupils are expected to show respect, listen to the museum staff and follow instructions
• Adults must stay with the pupils at all times
• Pupils should not be led away from the Learning Officer unless instructed to do so and no one is to exit the building unless escorted by a member of staff
• No running in the museum
• No eating or drinking on the galleries
• Schools are discouraged from using the lifts
• No climbing on the exhibits

Photography

Photography is permitted. If you are taking photographs in your taught session please let the Learning and Engagement Officer know.