Brunel's SS Great Britain is one of the most important historic ships in the world. When she was launched in 1843 she was called the 'Greatest Experiment since the Creation'. It was the first modern ship, with an iron hull - a revolution in design. People could barely understand how she could float.
Engineering
Engineering
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.
Venues with this Activity
The Last Survivor of the Battle of Jutland
The National Museum of the Royal Navy (NMRN) and the Department of Enterprise Trade and Investment have worked as partners to restore HMS Caroline, a lone survivor of the Battle of Jutland and living legend. With the help of a grant of £11.5m from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) the ship opened to all for the first time in June 2016.
What was HMS Caroline?
The MAD (Mechanical Art and Design) Museum is the only specialist attraction of its kind in the UK. Based in the centre of Stratford upon Avon, the museum was launched in March 2012 and showcases the world’s finest pieces of Kinetic Art and Automata belonging to pioneering artists from all four corners of the globe.
Home of the national historic buildings collection
Avoncroft Museum is home to over 30 different buildings and structures which have been rescued and re-built in rural Worcestershire. The Museum is spread over 19 acres and includes a wildflower meadow, period gardens, a traditional cider and perry orchard as well as the collection of historic buildings.
The Museum holds other historic collections which include:
The perfect place to take a stroll or cycle ride, visitors can learn more about this feat of engineering by exploring the variety of information boards on the route. Or visit the skate park and children's play area.
A link between the Bay and Penarth, it also forms part of the 10k Cardiff Bay Trail through ISV. Pick up a map at the Cardiff Bay Visitor Centre.
IWM is unique in its coverage of conflicts, especially those involving Britain and the Commonwealth, from the First World War to the present day, covering all the armed forces - Army, Navy and Royal Airforce (RAF).
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.
This unique collection interprets the rich architectural history of Bath and the men who transformed a provincial town into the world famous Georgian Spa. It demonstrates how classical design influenced the buildings and illustrates the construction of a house from the cellars to the rafters.
We cater for Key Stages 1 to 4.
Located on the edge of Pinxton the site comprises a section of the Pinxton Canal and wharf pond.
Symonds Yat is famous for its natural river scenery.
Join the river wending its way through Symonds Yat gorge and village, dividing it into East and West for a 40 minute boat trip with informed history and nature commentary.
Flame gasworks is Ireland's sole surviving coal gasworks and is one of only three left in the British Isles. Opened in 1855, it supplied Carrickfergus with gas until 1965 and was closed in 1987. It is now fully restored and was reopened as a visitor and educational attraction in August 2002.
Welcome to the seaside home of inventor and scientist Otto Overbeck. His gardens and house are perched high on the cliffs above Salcombe, with glorious views over the estuary and coast.
The Northampton and Lamport Railway is a steam and heritage diesel operated tourist railway located in the Northamptonshire countryside just 5 miles from Northampton, within easy reach of the motorway network.
The EARM is a living heritage site based at Chappel railway station. We are situated on the edge of breathtaking Constable Country and adjacent to one of the largest railway viaducts in Eastern England.
Phoenix Scalextric Circuit is based near Studley Warwickshire and enjoys a beautiful countryside location. The track is 150 feet long with fully computerised race management and awesome scenic accessories. We offer friendly and competitive Scalextric racing in an enjoyable atmosphere with experienced personnel to make your event a very special occasion.
A large Wildlife Haven and habitat creation project and steam engines in the process of restoration.
For children of all ages we have a 140-tonne Danish Pacific 996 steam engine in the process of restoration, RTV-31 the worlds first 100MPH hover train, a large garden railway, an amazing 7 track OO gauge model railway and other smaller interactive model railways to enjoy.
Sywell Country Park offers meadowland and lakeside walks, with a small arboretum of exotic trees and Edwardian buildings still surviving from its past role as a water supply reservoir with a water works heritage trail to guide you round.
Recreation
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.
Rheilfford Mynydd Brycheiniog
Travel with smoke and steam in splendid Wales.
The line runs from Pant, near Merthyr Tydfil. Travel in one of our all-weather Observation Carriages, behind a vintage steam locomotive, into the Brecon Beacons National Park to see stunning views of the peaks of the Beacons across the Taf Fechan reservoir.
The Historic Dockyard, Chatham is a fully accredited museum and partner in Renaissance South East, the South East Museum hub.
We collect, preserve, study and exhibit objects and material connected with the history of:
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The people who worked in, or were associated with, Chatham Dockyard
Come on board. Share the secret of living under the sea
Visit HMS Alliance, newly restored after a £7m refit and ready for patrol! Assault all of your sense by walking on board HMS Alliance, the only remaining WW2 era British ocean-going submarine.
Dingles Fairground Heritage Centre is a 45,000 square foot indoor attraction that provides a unique opportunity to view our Fairground Heritage in a beautiful rural location. It is a facility unique in the UK, designed to capture the magic of a bygone age through exhibits, vintage engineering and stunning artwork displays - offering a great day out for all the family.
Burton Art Gallery & Museum situated in Victoria Park, Bideford, was reopened in May 1994, after a major extension and refurbishment. The new building has three exhibition spaces including a permanent pottery exhibition, a museum, craft gallery, shop, workshop and lecture area, tourist information desk and cafe.
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.
Our experienced team will guide you through unique destinations, where you can embrace different cultures, amazing wildlife, beautiful secluded landscapes and explore our enchanting planet.
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