Voyage of Discovery in schools
Research in your classroom. Researchers in your school.
Voyage of Discovery is not just a September event. Throughout 2026 and 2027, we are working with schools, colleges and teachers across Plymouth, Devon and Cornwall to bring researchers and their work directly to young people — in classrooms, on field trips, at college campuses and in some of the most exciting venues in the South West.
Who is this for?
We work with primary and secondary schools, and with colleges for 16 to 18 year olds. We particularly want to reach schools in coastal, rural and less well-connected communities, and those serving pupils who face barriers to accessing higher education and research.
For teachers
All activities are designed to be relevant and teacher-friendly. We will share resources, guidance and any preparation materials.
Reusable resource packs, short films and classroom activities will also be available to download from this page as they are produced throughout the programme.
What is on offer?
We have a range of activities across 2026 and 2027, designed to fit around the school year, linked to the curriculum and suitable for different age groups. Some take place in your school. Others involve a trip out: to the Eden Project, the Lost Gardens of Heligan, the University campus or other venues across the region.
Voyage Research Fair - University of Plymouth campus
Bring your class to the University for the day. Meet researchers, explore world-class facilities and get hands-on with research across science, technology, art and design.
Saturday 26 September 2026.
BioBlitz at Eden Project and the Lost Gardens of Heligan
Pupils work alongside researchers and gardeners to record local wildlife and plants using smartphones and the iNaturalist app, contributing to real biodiversity research. With a little help from some robotic dogs!
Running in summer term 2027.
The Way We Live Now - The Box, Plymouth
A curriculum-linked resource on place, planning and architecture, created with researchers and embedded in The Box's schools booking system.
Running from autumn 2026 through to summer 2027 - available to book through The Box directly.
STEM Voyages: SciTech Showcase - University of Plymouth campus
A day of interactive talks, demonstrations and experiments with researchers across STEM disciplines. Priority places for schools in disadvantaged and coastal areas.
January 2027.
Girls into Geoscience and Ocean Science
A dedicated programme for girls in secondary schools across Devon and Cornwall, connecting them with women researchers working in earth and ocean sciences. Workshops, fieldwork tasters and real conversations about careers in research.
Spring 2027.
Voyage Beneath Our Feet - FarmWise Devon
Researchers join the annual FarmWise Devon event near Exeter, bringing soil science, agriculture and robotics to life for primary pupils.
Autumn 2026 and Autumn 2027.
Take Science Home - Alumni Back to Schools
Researchers who grew up and went to school in Devon and Cornwall return to thier schools. They talk about their journey, their work and what a life in research actually looks like.
British Science Week, March 2027.