What Did These Altarnun Pupils Build from Old Toys? Bodmin Trip Blends Science, Art and Sustainability

Altarnun Primary pupils visit Discovering42 Science Museum

Pupils from Altarnun Primary School had a science lesson to remember this term with a visit to the Discovering42 Science Museum in Bodmin.

As part of their ongoing science curriculum, the children explored interactive exhibits made entirely from recycled materials, offering a unique blend of art, sustainability, and scientific discovery.

Hands-on engineering with old toys

The visit included a Wheels & Cams workshop where pupils used old toys to create moving mechanisms. Through this hands-on experience, they explored the basics of engineering and simple machines in a fun and engaging way.

The trip was designed to support their learning in key scientific areas while encouraging creativity, problem-solving, and real-world application of scientific ideas.

Science, sustainability, and creativity combined

The Discovering42 Science Museum is the only dedicated science museum in the region. Based in Bodmin, it aims to make complex scientific concepts accessible for young minds by using recycled materials to build interactive exhibits focused on physics, chemistry, engineering, and environmental issues.

According to Christina Medland, Principal at Altarnun Primary School:
“This visit to Discovering42 was an inspiring way for our pupils to engage with science in a fun, hands-on environment. Our science curriculum is designed to ignite curiosity and critical thinking, and this trip offered the perfect platform for our pupils to take those skills into the real world. It’s experiences like this that help our children develop a deeper appreciation of how science impacts everything around us.”

Altarnun’s approach to science education

Altarnun Primary School, part of Athena Learning Trust, encourages investigative learning and critical thinking through a practical science curriculum. Topics include living things, physical processes, and environmental science, with a strong emphasis on experiments, observations, and scientific literacy.

Rated Good by Ofsted in all areas, the school is recognised for its warm and welcoming atmosphere. Inspectors noted that pupils enjoy coming to school and benefit from a supportive learning environment.

📍 Discovering42 is located in Bodmin, Cornwall
For more on their work blending science with art and sustainability, visit Discovering42.