Diamond Light Source is the UK’s synchrotron. It works like a giant microscope, harnessing the power of electrons to produce bright light that scientists can use to study anything from fossils to jet engines to viruses and vaccines.
Computing
Computing
What is it?
The practice of computing is essentially any activity that uses computers/algorithms (a step by step procedure) as part of a process to reach a goal. Computings exact nature and form can vary hugely, ranging from entertainment purposes to scientific research.
What does it involve?
There is such a large variety of things that involve an element of computing in current day society that it's hard to define, but the general manner of engaging with a computer involves understanding the main aim of a system and how to operate it. The engineering side of computing makes use of a lot of technical knowledge, and involves understanding how to literally construct a functioning system out of separate parts.
Why do it and what are the benefits?
Getting an understanding of computers in increasingly important as they grow in popularity - learning the basics at an early age will help in almost all aspects of life where computer engagement can occur, such as music, communication, transport, banking and education. Also, learning about how computers actually work can increase respect for the technology and will help individuals to fix their own belongings later in life.
What equipment do we need?
Depending on the nature of the activity, you may need to provide computers for the students use. You must always check with the venue or activity provider if you are going outside of your own school resources!
Who is it suitable for?
Older students will have more of a natural aptitude for computing, but it can be introduced at almost any age if you adjust the nature of the activity to suit the group in question.
Costs?
Any costs involved in a computing activity will depend on what it involves! For example, a trip to a museum/exhibition will probably have a cheaper cost than a lesson in programming or a behind the scenes look at a development line - be aware of your budget and spend money wisely!
Issues/Things to think about? (unsuitable for age groups, medical conditions etc)
Younger children should be supervised carefully when around/using expensive or fragile equipment!
How do we include?
Being able to include everybody will depend on the sort of activity - computing technologies have developed so much that pretty much everyone can interact with a system somehow, but specialist equipment may be expensive or not readily available!
Doing it abroad?
Computing is found all over the world, but mainly in developed areas and cities in particular. The use of computer systems abroad can be fascinating to see, as different countries have different needs and will adapt their technology to suit!
Main website:
Check out individual venue websites to see exactly what activities are available.
Venues with this Activity
School trips and study tours abroad
Halsbury Travel will work with you to create a tailor made trip that will inspire your pupils and bring your subject to life.
Established in 1986, Halsbury Travel is a friendly, family-run school tour operator. With several former teachers in our midst, we understand from first-hand experience the pressures on teachers when organising school trips.
The Jaguar Land Rover Education Business Partnership Centres are based on the Solihull Land Rover Manufacturing Site, the Castle Bromwich Jaguar Manufacturing site and the Gaydon Research and Development facility in Warwickshire. Our Visitors come from all around the world to see the facility.
Solihull is the home of Land Rover since production began on the first Land Rover in 1948. The current vehicle line up at Solihull consists of building the Land Rover Defender, Discovery, Range Rover, and Range Rover Sport. The Solihull site was originally built to build aircraft engines in for WWII.
This is the advanced design and engineering facility and home to Land Rover design. It also boasts the UK's largest hybrid engineering team. It is also the Global headquarters of JLR.
The Museum of Computing is devoted to the history of computing and digital development.
It was the first physical museum of its kind in the UK dedicated to the history of computing.
Once Britain’s Best Kept Secret, today Bletchley Park is a heritage site and vibrant tourist attraction. Open daily, visitors can explore some of the iconic WW2 Codebreaking Huts and Blocks and marvel at the astonishing achievements of the Codebreakers whose work is said to have helped shorten the war by two years.
A museum housing the world's largest selection of working vintage computers. It tells the story of computing from the 1940s Colossus computer, which helped the father of computers Alan Turing break the Nazi Enigma Code machine in the Second World War, through the monster mainframes of the 1970s, home computers of the 1980s to the Touchtable of the present.
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.
Featured Provider
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.
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