On the 7th February 2019 we left our ordinary lives behind us and embarked on a journey jam packed with fun facts, beautiful buildings, spectacular sights
and of course SCIENCE.
On the first morning we enjoyed a self-guided tour of the gorgeous gothic Notre Dame Cathedral. We climbed the 834 steps to get up close and personal with
the gargoyles. It was at this point Mrs Reid highlighted the effects of acid rain on limestone buildings and the damage it had caused to the 856-year-old,
historically and culturally significant figures.Not for the first time did we hear the statement ‘Science is everywhere’!
A French guide gave us an insight into the iconic sights of Paris, such as the Georges Pompidou Centre, built to commemorate the late president. The architecturally
unique building has its insides outside. We also enjoyed learning about such famous structures as the Eiffel tower and the Large and Small palaces,
all built to commemorate the world Expositions of the 19th and 20th century. Later that day we enjoyed the Museé des Arts Métiers, an industrial museum
which houses Foucault’s Pendulum and many other famous historical artefacts.
Having accumulated great knowledge, we strolled to Louvre Museum where we admired a vast selection of masterpieces including the Venus de Milo, the wedding
feast at Cana and the of course the Mona Lisa.
Dinner at the Hard Rock Café was a prelude to a cruise down the Seine aboard a Bateau Mouche riverboat.
We spent some time exploring the wonders of Disneyland Paris and Walt Disney Studios, home to astounding attractions such as thunder mountain, hyperspace
mountain and the Hollywood Tower of Terror.
Later that night we had dinner at Planet Hollywood. This restaurant is world renowned and is a favourite of celebs and party goers.
On the final day started with a drive through Paris where major sights, including the Arc de Triomphe were viewed again. The group walked up the 235 steep
steps to the Sacré Coeur Cathedral in the Montmartre area before enjoying an original French Crepe. For one last view of the city, we took the lift
ascending 198m in 38s to the 56th floor of the Montparnasse tower and enjoyed 360° views of the avenues, roofs, monuments and gardens below.
Finally, we visited the Cite des Sciences, the largest science museum in Europe. We participated in the many interactive exhibitions including the Human
Microbiome project.
This was a highly successful and enjoyable trip due, in no small part, to the commitment of three teachers who go the extra mile (or 578 miles as the crow
flies) you are very much appreciated by the students.
{module_contentholder name=”Gallery – Paris STEM Trip 2019″}