northern lights over thingvellir in south west iceland

Science School Trip to Iceland Iceland

5 Days from £1015pp

based on 36 students and 4 free teacher places traveling Sep-Dec 2023 excluding key school holiday peak dates

In Iceland, science students can immerse themselves in the ever-changing dramatic landscapes of Iceland and enjoy being in the great outdoors.

There are opportunities to learn about the physics behind the Northern Lights, the mineral chemistry in geothermal mud pools, or the biology of how life has adapted in the land of fire and ice.

Our subject specialists lead the tours and introduce your group to the effects of climate change on the Solheimajokull glacier and how locals take advantage of tectonic activity and water resources to generate energy. We also exclusively offer a selection of half-day fieldwork courses delivered by the FSC so students can put their skills into practice.

Our travel specialists work with you to create a tailored itinerary full of fun and classroom connections. Here’s an example of what you could experience:

What's included

  • Return flights from LON. Regional departures also available
  • Hold luggage
  • 4 nights' accommodation
  • All meals during your stay
  • Teacher Tour Leader or local guide
  • Activities mentioned in the itinerary including: Lava Tube Caving, Aurora Reykjavik, Hellisheidi visit, Icelandic Lava Show, Eldheimar exhibition, Fridheimar Greenhouses, Whales of Iceland
  • Our Covid money-back assurance

Ask about our approach to Responsible Travel

We believe the benefits of travel should not be lost for the next generation. In order to protect this world we live in and also inspire a new group of young people to fight for our planet, we are developing an approach to Responsible Travel that is founded in facts, empowers young people to take action and involves suppliers at all levels in minimising negative impacts of travel.

We are committed to finding and implementing maintainable strategies which include developing teaching resources, offsetting carbon emissions, benefitting local economies, protecting local cultures and becoming ‘Plastic Clever’ travellers.

We can’t do it alone. Will you join us?

Responsible School Travel

“The organisation by those behind the scenes at Discover the World was quite obviously exceptional, as the trip worked like clockwork with no logistical problems at all... the science based itinerary meant that we avoided some of the more popular areas, and had many places to ourselves. We will definitely look to run this trip again. ”

Day

1

Lava tube caving, whale watching and Aurora Reykjavik

Head to the land of fire and ice for your scientific expedition!

You’ll head to Raufarholshellir for a lava tube caving experience. The lava tube was carved through the rock over 5 thousand years ago. Depending on the time of year you visit you’ll also find ice stalagmites which provide an otherworldly atmosphere as your guide explains the tube’s formation.

As a stark contrast to your first activity, you will then take to the waters by boat to seek out some of Iceland’s biggest inhabitants, whales! Keep your eyes peeled as minke whales, humpback whales and even blue whales have been spotted off the coastlines of Iceland.

Many tourists and school groups hope to catch a glimpse of the northern lights on their visit to Iceland but not everyone gets lucky. Your group are guaranteed a sighting when they visit Aurora Reykjavik, a multimedia attraction that replicates and explains the phenomena on large HD projections.

Day

2

Power station visit, waterfalls, glaciers, black beaches and real lava!

At first glance, a visit to a power station may sound run of the mill, but Hellisheidi is quite different. The power harnessed at Hellisheidi is geothermal energy, one of Iceland’s most abundant resources. The experienced staff will passionately describe the importance of sustainable energy and how the power plant operates.

You will then visit Skogafoss, one of Iceland’s most recognisable waterfalls. On sunny days students will see rainbows form in the mist and they can even fill up their water bottles with crisp fresh water from the stream.

No science school trip to Iceland would be complete without a visit to a glacier. Solheimajokull is a great example of the effects of global warming on Iceland. Your guide will explain how the glacier has retreated over time and how rocks within the ice can tell a story about Iceland’s volcanic history.

A once-in-a-lifetime experience for students is the Icelandic Lava Show. One of the only opportunities ever to see real-life lava, this show provides students with invaluable insight into how lava is formed and the different types of lava.

Next is a visit to Dyrholaey, which is thought to have been created in a submarine eruption. Here you will find fascinating dramatic coastal scenery such as high cliffs, rock arches and stacks.

Geologists will enjoy the next stop on your south coast tour, Reynishfjara. The black beaches here were formed as lava flows met the ice-cold ocean and broke apart. Basalt columns line the beach and make for a vivid classroom.

Day

3

Heimay island, Eldheimar exhibition and Seljalandsfoss

The island of Heimay translates as home island. As well as being home to 4,500 people it is home to 8 million puffins each summer. The island also has a fascinating volcanic history including the 1973 where the island grew in size.

You will visit the Eldheimar exhibition which will provide students with human stories of the 1973 eruption.

Back on the mainland, your group will discover one of Iceland’s most photogenic waterfalls, Seljalandsfoss. This waterfall has a unique path that leads behind the water (top tip: wear your waterproofs to shield from the spray!)

Day

4

Golden Circle tour

Begin your Golden Circle tour with the roaring two-tiered waterfall, Gullfoss. There are several viewpoints so your students will be able to see how the Hvita River has carved through the canyon.

Continuing the theme of iconic Icelandic landmarks, your next stop will be Geysir. Geysir gave all geysers their name and is home to several of its own, including Strokkur, which erupts every 6 minutes.

Your visit to Fridheimar Greenhouses will be an unexpected highlight. Say hello to the resident Icelandic horses at your entrance to the greenhouses. Tomatoes are grown all year, using state-of-the-art technology in an environmentally friendly way. Students are able to experience the growth of the tomatoes from ‘Seed to Soup’ by sampling Fridheimar’s delicious soup!

Study the rock cycle at the Rift Valley at Thingvellir – the divergent zone between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.

Your last stop of the day is Whales of Iceland, the largest whale exhibition in Europe. With 23 man-made life-sized models of whales suspended from the ceiling. Your guide will help you learn more about these giant creatures.

Day

5

Return to Keflavik and head home

Pick up any last-minute Icelandic liquorice souvenirs at the airport on your way home after this unforgettable trip.

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Trip notes:

There are so many additional activities you can add and swap on this itinerary for example, a swim in the Blue Lagoon or the Secret Lagoon or get closer to Solheimajokull glacier by embarking on an ice-climbing expedition.

This itinerary has been based on a group of 36 students and 4 teachers travelling in October 2023.

 

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