See the steam trains from the golden age of the Great Western Railway in the original engine shed, with a recreation of Brunel's broad gauge railway and a typical country branch line.
Technology
Technology
What is it?
Although the word "technology" is usually applied in reference to the newest electronic gadgets of the current day, the word actually covers all development of tools by humans throughout history. The term comes from the Greek word "techne" which refers to art, skill and cunning of hand, and includes aspects of areas such as medicine, transport, construction, and machinery to name but a few; almost everything you see around you in everyday life is a result of technology.
What does it involve?
Technology involves the entire history of humanity's conversion of materials into something else, starting way back in ancient history with the first time a human picked up something to help them complete an activity. Current day technology is a lot more varied and complex, and the creation of new technologies has developed into a reasonably specialist area of expertise.
Why do it and what are the benefits?
Learning about the progression of technology is a great way to understand just how humanity has developed over time; for example, the evolvement of weaponry has dictated what happens in war, and new methods of travel made world exploration easier. A better comprehension of technological developments also helps you to appreciate the objects around you - even something as simple as a table is a result of a technology!
What equipment do we need?
All you should really need to provide for getting engaged with technology is a willingness to learn! However, the incredibly wide variety of things you can do involving technology means there are many possible activites - make sure to check with the venue you'll be visiting to see if you need to provide any equipment.
Who is it suitable for?
Technology is suitable for pretty much everyone - there will be aspects of the genre to suit students of all ages and interests.
Costs?
Experiencing technology can vary from being completely free access to a public museum to a more costly visit to a track to learn about and drive go-karts - what you decide to do will depend on your budget and the age/interests of your students!
Issues/Things to think about? (unsuitable for age groups, medical conditions etc)
You must consider the interests of your group carefully; for example, development of nuclear weapons may not be the most engaging subject for young children!
How do we include?
Including everyone in a technological experience should be reasonably easy, as most venues that will host such events should have great disabled access and assistance - however, always doublecheck if you are uncertain!
Doing it abroad?
Many famous technological developments took place abroad, and their cities of origin will often have some great museums dedicated to educating people about it. Have a look before travelling to see if there are any such places you can visit at your chosen destination!
Main website:
Individual venue websites will provide the best and most detailed information about whats available.
Venues with this Activity
Explore the crawl through mock up tunnels in the Peak District Lead Mining Museum then head over the road and under the ground for a guided tour of the real thing! Fun, educational and immersive this pair of matched attractions will fill your day nicely and stick in the mind.
Discover how the town of Belper was turned into the world’s first factory community in this great mill and museum that is free to visit for under 16s. Family friendly hands on activities and exhibits.
It is recognised as one of the most important buildings from the Industrial Revolution in the whole world!
Canal cruises offer an opportunity to do just that. Choose between the slow meandering of the motor barge and the sedate drifting of the horse drawn barge. Whichever takes your fancy, we can offer you a great day out.
Schools Visits
Built in the 1720s, Derwentcote is the earliest and most complete steel-making furnace in Britain.
It produced high-grade steel for springs and cutting tools.
It is one of the few complete examples of the cementation type of furnace, and is the last surviving piece of evidence of cementation steelmaking in the north-east.
Diggerland has many educational benefits. Students are taught to use everyday construction machinery including real diggers and dumpers!
Discover 300 years of history and over 1 million objects that changed the world in the UK's largest railway museum.
Includes a huge array of locomotives, including the Mallard, a replica of Stephenson's Rocket, Hogwart's Express, the Queen's coach, the Duchess of Hamilton and Japan's high speed train Shinkansen.
A preserved former Great Western Railway branchline that links the national railway network at Cholsey with Wallingford. Trains run on selected weekends and bank holidays, often steam hauled.
The Seagull Recycling Centre does what it says on the tin -
we recycle domestic waste, run a popular schools education programme called "The Waste Wizard" and run a "re-use" scheme where clean, safe and unused items from industry are recycled into craft products and other resources.
Located on the edge of Pinxton the site comprises a section of the Pinxton Canal and wharf pond.
Climb aboard locomotives, be a signalman and walk underneath 80 tons of metal!
Follow the incredible story of the GWR through lots of imaginative displays and plenty of hands-on exhibits. Build a bridge and shunt wagons. Have a go at putting a locomotive together. Take a ride on our train-driving simulator.
Bruntingthorpe Aerodrome is home to the Cold War Jet Collection including a Victor, Hunter, Canberra, Comet, 2 off Lightnings, Starfighter, Mystere, Sea Vixen, 4 off Buccaneers, 4 off Jet Provosts, Super Guppy, Iskra and a Jaguar. April 2010 saw a Nimrod MR2 arrive at the airfield.
The Bovey Tracey Heritage Centre is situated in the Old Bovey Station building, which was in use for rail passenger traffic for nearly 100 years.
The Oldest Water Balance Lift Still In Operation
Saltburn's famous Cliff Lift has two cars, each of which is fitted with a water tank beneath, run on parallel tracks. The car at the top of the 71% incline has its tank filled with water until it overbalances the weight of the car 120ft below and proceeds down the incline under its own specific gravity.
This remarkable funicular railway is the oldest and steepest inland electric cliff railway in the country.
For over a century Bridgnorth Cliff Railway has been transporting the people of Bridgnorth up and down the 111 ft sandstone cliffs that separate High Town from Low Town and the River Severn.
With a station motto of ‘The Strongest Link’, Biggin Hill was an important sector or 'controlling airfield' during and after the Battle of Britain. First established during the First World War as a radio and instrument research station and a fighter airfield, the second conflict saw it upgraded to accommodate modern fighter aircraft.
Over the past 40 years, this famous Airport has steadily changed from being a busy RAF base into a commercial regional airport. The historic ties are remembered annually at the RAF Chapel which is open to the public.
RAF Chapel
Washford Radio Museum is situated within the Tropiquaria wildlife park in Washford, Somerset. It is based in a 1930’s art deco BBC Radio transmitting station, which is now a Grade II listed building.
Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet is a unique eighteenth century industrial works. Catch a glimpse of life at home and at work at a rural scythe and steelworks dating back to the 18th century.
Abbey Pumping Station is Leicester's Museum of Science and Technology, displaying the city's industrial, technological and scientific heritage.
Situated adjacent to the National Space Centre, the two attractions tell the story of over 200 years of science and technology from the early days of steam and industry, to space exploration of today.
Working watermill in the heart of Winchester
The City Mill is a rare surviving example of an urban working corn mill, powered by the fast-flowing River Itchen, which can be seen passing under the mill, thrilling our visitors.
Corn mill with original wooden machinery in a peaceful riverside setting
An 18th-century corn mill in a peaceful, rural setting. Rebuilt in 1776 on a site marked in the Domesday Book, this substantial mill was extensively repaired in 1994 and still retains its original elm and applewood machinery (now too fragile to be used).
Enjoy a stroll over White Mill bridge or sit in the garden and enjoy the tranquillity of the River Stour.
Britain's first fully themed indoor family resort and amusement park. A magical world of fun, thrills and experiences for all the family. Now including the indoor Galactic Play Zone!
Working water-powered mill used in the manufacture of linen
Nestling in an idyllic wooded glen offering lovely walks and picnic spots this, the last working water-powered linen beetling mill, offers a unique experience for all the family.
Try some scutching, hackling and weaving as you take part in hands-on demonstrations, against the thundering cacophony of beetling engines.
Hear it, feel it, see it, do it
Be at the heart of the action and explore your industrial past along the scenic walk taking in the ten award-winning Ironbridge Gorge Museums spread along the valley beside the wild River Severn.
See the products that set industry on its path and the machines that made them. Watch and talk to the Museums’ craftsmen and costumed demonstrators.
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