Scientific London

Some of the world's most famous scientists have called London home. From Newton to Darwin and Franklin to Fleming, the discoveries and advancements to science that have been made in the nations capitol are countless.If you are looking to learn about science with young ones a visit to one of the many science based museums is a great day out. The many different scientific societies offer public lectures discussing latest discoveries for those who are lifelong learners, and the history of science can be found scattered around London, be it the Broad Street Pump, the standards of measure, or the monuments and statues to the great men and women who dedicated their life to scientific discoveries and exploration. Science Museum The collections here cover the major discovers in modern science. From James Watt's steam engine to Watson and Crick's model for dna. With interactive and hands on exhibits it is a great place for kids and adults alike.Natural History MuseumThis museum houses an unparalleled collection of animals, plants, rocks, and fossils. Say hello to the Darwin statue as you make your way up the grand stairs.Wellcome Collection A wonderful collection of medial antiques, along with rotating exhibits exploring what it truly means to be human.Royal Observatory Greenwich The birthplace of Greenwich Mean Time, and the Prime Meridian where the longitude is 0º. You can explore the scientific instruments used by astronomers of old, or see a star show in the planetarium.Alexander Fleming Museum Explore this laboratory turned museum of famed scientist Alexander Flaming. His discovery of penicillin in this lab in 1928 is considered one of the top medical advancements of the 20th century.Charles Darwin Blue Plaque Darwin was a naturalist and his extensive research on plants and animals lead to significant discoveries into the mechanisms of evolution. As well as memorials at the Natural History Museum, you can also visit his grave at Westminster Abbey.Alan Turing Blue Plaque Enjoy a walk around the neighbourhood where Alan Turing, code breaker and inventor of computer science, was born. If you are interested in Turing's work a visit to Bletchley Park in Milton Keynes is a must.Rosalind Franklin Blue PlaqueFranklin's skill as an x-ray crystallographer helped lead to the discovery of the structure of DNA. She was not credited for her involvement during her lifetime, and died at 37 due to ovarian cancer.Florence Nightingale Museum This museum celebrates the life and achievements of Florence Nightingale, who is considered to be the founder of modern nursing. One of her crowning achievements was sanitary reform, including hand-washing to stop the spread of disease.Broad Street Pump This small pump is easy to miss, but had huge implications in epidemiology and slowing down the spread of cholera. in 1854 the physician John Snow traced the spread of cholera in soho to a contaminated pump on this site. The pump handle was removed so that residents couldn't pump the contaminated water, thus slowing the spread of the disease.The Royal Society Although membership in The Royal Society is saved for eminent scientists they offer a wonderful range of lecturers and events for the public.Michael Faraday Memorial There are a handful of plaques, statues, and monuments to this great scientist dotted throughout London. As one of the fathers of electricity, his discoveries have helped advance every aspect of science.Isaac Newton Blue Plaques One of the most influential scientists, his discoveries widely taught today. He was the creator of classical mechanics, calculus, developed the laws of motions, and was able to quantify gravity. There are various memorials to his work around London, including his burial memorial in Westminster Abbey.Benjamin Franklin House One of the founding fathers of America spent over 15 years living in London. His scientific work was extensive and he is known as one of the fathers of electricity.Trafalgar SquareHiding in plane site, at one of the busiest squares in London is the standards of measure. These markers were installed to preserve the measurements, after the original standards of imperial measure were lost in a fire at the houses of parliament.National Maritime Museum Astronomy and navigation are been intrinsically linked and this museum houses a catalogue of treasures to show how both developed and advanced for the past several hundred years.Burlington House Home to a handful of societies including the Geological Society, The Royal Astronomical Society, Royal Society of Chemistry, The Geological Society, as well as the Royal Academy of Arts. Each society hosts a range of events, including publics lectures, and family days.