What is it?
The term “engineering” comes from the Latin words “ingenium” and “ingeniare”, meaning “cleverness” and “to control/devise” respectively. The subject is very wide, and covers a large area of knowledge, but generally concerns itself with the invention, building, maintenance and improvement of a material or system. There are many sub-sections of engineering that focus solely on one area (such as environmental, computer and civil engineering), but they all have the same general purpose.
What does it involve?
The most basic explanation of engineering is that it involves using an understanding of physics and materials to create a system that fulfills a need. Engineering differs from technology in that technology describes the end product of a process whereas engineering describes the steps that were taken to get there.
Why do it and what are the benefits?
Learning about engineering can greatly increase the respect one has for everyday objects, and get students interested in the mechanics of how things operate and how to make them work in the first place! Museums tracing the history of engineering can be especially fascinating to see how things developed over time to reach the kind of engineering around these days.
What equipment do we need?
Equipment needs will depend totally on the type of activity! Some more hands-on engineering events may need some equipment, but museums and exhibitions shouldn’t need you to provide anything. Always check with the activity provider if you are unsure!
Who is it suitable for?
Learning about engineering should be suitable for most ages as long as you tailor the event to suit the groups needs!
Costs?
Again, this will depend on exactly what you are doing – some venues/providers may have quite high costs for more elaborate activities, but there are many smaller engineering based activities that will cost a lot less.
Issues/Things to think about? (unsuitable for age groups, medical conditions etc)
Anything with moving parts can be dangerous in the right conditions, so make sure all younger students are properly supervised!
How do we include?
Full inclusion will depend on the activity, as more interactive activities may prove difficult for those with limited physical movement – make sure you are aware of the needs of the group and consult with the provider to see what they are set up for.
Doing it abroad?
Evidence of engineering can be found all over the world, and exploring local histories can turn up examples specific to that location that you won’t find in the UK – a fascinating insight into culture and history different to our own!
Main website:
http://www.engineeringuk.com has some good general info, but always check out individual websites for their specific activity information.
The Grand Union Canal at Stoke Bruerne is an idyllic picture of passing boats and local wildlife. It’s a relaxing and lovely place for a day out.
There are loads of different things to do – boat trips and walks, bird watching and fun for kids at Rookery farm.
Stephenson Railway Museum is open Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays until 2 November 2014 and all week during school holidays (excluding Christmas holidays). With heritage train rides on Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays.
200 years since George Stephenson built his first locomotive Blucher.
Explore what life was like for Hampshire people in the past by wandering through Milestones’ old cobbled streets. And as you wander round you may also encounter some of our costumed characters…
Enthusiasts will enjoy our collection of beautifully restored vintage vehicles - and so will kids of all ages!
The Royal Air Force Museum in Cosford offers a fun, entertaining day out for all the entire family. Situated next to an active airfield, this is the only place in the Midlands where you can get close to so many breathtaking aircraft for free.
Wellesbourne Airfield is a small, fully operational, thriving airfield 5 miles east of Stratfrod-upon-Avon.
Early in 1941 the Government purchased over 200 acres of Warwickshire farmland 6 miles East of Stratford Upon Avon.
Thomas Newcomen (1664-1729) designed and installed the first practical and successful steam engine, used initially for pumping water out of coal mines. Over 2,000 Newcomen engines were installed world-wide during the 18th and 19th centuries, over 600 of them before 1775 when James Watt was able to improve their efficiency.
Supporting a rich diversity of wildlife with over 200 species of birds, 27 species of butterflies and 300 species of moths recorded on site, Foremark is a interesting place to visit. The many footpaths and trails are a great starting point to explore the reservoir and surrounding woodland.
Quarry Bank overflows with the atmosphere of the Industrial Revolution.
A farm park with a difference, featuring an enchanted walk, adventure playground and our collection of farm and exotic animals. Everything is designed with disabled children in mind, but Fairytale Farm can be enjoyed by everybody.
Dearne Valley opened its doors as the new Kingswood centre in 2012. Following a multi-million pound investment programme, Dearne Valley is our most environmentally sustainable centre, complete with one of Europe’s largest solar panels and an on-site waste recycling plant.
Features
At 250 metres above street level, Sydney Tower Eye is the highest point in Sydney - perfect for finding your bearings or just taking it all in.
Sydney Tower Eye is the perfect place to start your Sydney adventure. With views stretching out as far as the eye can see in all directions, there's no better place to find your bearings.
Teignmouth and Shaldon are beautiful. They are not, however, just pretty places! Products of a turbulent past and the strivings of succeeding generations, Teignmouth and Shaldon have colourful and absorbing stories to tell. The stories are told in the Museum - what happened, when and who the players were.
Exmouth Museum was first opened in 1985 and is housed in a 19th century building which was the Council Stables together with the adjoining foreman's cottage.
The last working water-powered forge in the country nestles in the middle of Sticklepath village on the edge of Dartmoor, near Okehampton. During lively demonstrations see and hear the large water wheel and tilt hammers in action. Demonstrations of the machinery every hour.
Created at the site of Staffordshire's Apedale Mine, offering an underground mine experience, with informative museum, café and gift shop.
We are located in North Staffordshire’s Apedale Community Country Park in an area that was once an industrial powerhouse.
At the Royal Victoria Park there are a wide range of activities that you can enjoy.
Wildlife and Habitats
The Museum comprises four large halls. Each hall has ground floor and upper levels telling the stories of naval aviation from the first manned kites towed behind naval vessels, to helium filled airships, seaplanes, bi-planes and the carrier borne aircraft of WW2 and modern Sea Harriers and helicopters. We also have an original Concorde 002.
Tavistock Museum is a town museum which has permanent exhibitions relating to its monastic, market, and mining past. It is also a community museum and each year has new exhibitions relating to different community interests and organisations.
Titanic Belfast is a visitor attraction and a monument to Belfast's maritime heritage on the site of the former Harland & Wolff shipyard. It tells the stories of the ill-fated RMS Titanic, which sank on her maiden voyage in 1912, and her sister ships RMS Olympic and HMHS Britannic.
Jaguars have been manufactured at the 112 acre Castle Bromwich site since 1966. A lot of things are changing on site at the moment as JLR invest £300 million on new body shops and other site developments. We are now a state-of-the-art production facility, building high performance, luxury motor vehicles.
The Bushcraft Company offer residential school trips with a difference, taking students into the wild and giving them real back-to-nature experiences they will never forget.
A 15-year-old boy fell 60ft over the edge of a cliff whilst on a geography school trip, miraculously only suffering minor injuries.