ABSTRACT
Science education offers the teacher a wide range of opportunities for challenging pupils to use different cognitive skills. However, taking part in educational visits challenges pupils to develop a range of social skills that are essential if the able child is to communicate effectively with their peers, mentors and the wider community. Social interaction is a normal and expected outcome on an educational visit; it can also be directed, encouraged, targeted or left to develop once catalysed. Remember to be clear in your own mind of the desired outcome of a visit and to communicate this to the pupils. Are they sure of what is expected of them? Do they understand the objectives, possible outcomes and timescales?
