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.
The museum, at the Head Office of Scotland’s oldest bank, traces the history of banking and money through the story of the company.
This fascinating museum takes a fresh look at money – and much, much more. Art & design, technology, crime, trade and security – all feature in the story of money. We are open throughout the year and admission is FREE.
Discover the story of the lead miners of Minera, the village named after the ore beneath, at Minera Lead Mines visitor centre and explore the remains of the 19th century lead processing works, where they worked.
Based around the original control tower of the former RAF Dumfries, the museum is a fascinating collection of aircraft and memorabilia reaching back to the golden years of flight.
The group aims to promote awareness of the history of the Eastriggs and Gretna townships, and their importance with the 1st world war munitions factory HM Factory Gretna in turning the tide of war in the allies' favour.
The McKechnie Institute opened in 1889 thanks to the benevolence of a local businessman, Thomas McKechnie. Its architectural style is Scottish Baronial with some Renaissance detailing. The Architects of the Institute were McKissack & Rowan of Glasgow, who were also responsible for the design of Girvan Parish Church.
The Doon Valley Museum is located in a conversion of one of the oldest buildings in Dalmellington (dating from 1744). It was saved from demolition in the 1980s and now serves the community as a museum, art gallery and meeting place. Our permanent museum displays explore some of the rich heritage of the Doon Valley – with a focus on mining and how it affects the communities of the area.
A four mile section of the Kinnaber to Brechin line, between Brechin and the Bridge of Dun forms the basis of this important fragment of Scotland's historic railways.
The Bell Rock Lighthouse is the oldest surviving sea-washed lighthouse and is an outstanding feat of nineteenth century engineering.
The Club is dedicated to the preservation and restoration of historic vehicles, researching and sharing their history and enabling everyone to develop their related interets. The Club welcomes new members and visitors.
Visitors are welcome daily from 1 April to
30 September, 10am to 2pm. Entry is by donaton.
Many cities across the UK have some form of Transport Museum as a home for their transport history, vehicles, memorabilia, etc. so please join with us and support our campaign to bring our heritage home.
The Royal Research Ship Discovery returned to her home port of Dundee in 1986 where she was greeted by thousands lining the shores of the River Tay. In 1993 Discovery Point opened as a purpose built museum, visitor centre and conference venue playing host to over 150,000 visitors per year from both the public and business communities.
The Grampian Transport Museum boasts an impressive range of transport exhibits, from travelling chariots of the 1800's, to some of the fastest cars ever made.
Discover the importance of the rural carpenter to the local community in the days before mass-produced goods, with displays of early tools and an audiovisual presentation. See a craftsman working in wood; relax in a Victorian-style garden; view early workshop machinery.
The Ferryhill Railway Heritage Trust was set-up in 2007 to take over the remaining building of the former Ferryhill locomotive depot, restore it and transform the site into a working railway heritage site for the North East of Scotland. In this endeavor, the Ferryhill Railway Heritage Trust has the active support of Aberdeen City Council and the Ferryhill Community Council.
This hidden gem, only 40 minutes from Glasgow and Edinburgh, is located in the historic town of Bo’ness.
Cydebank Museum and Art Gallery is situated beside the now demolished John Brown shipyard where many of the famous liners of the Clyde were built. The Museum and Art Gallery showcases an exciting temporary exhibition programme featuring fine art and touring exhibitions and has small permanent displays relating to the shipbuilding industry and the Singer Sewing Machine Collection.
Summerlee interprets the social and industrial history of Central Scotland, and in particular the Monklands area, formerly the ‘Iron Burgh’. Displays feature historic machinery in daily operation as well as reconstructed domestic environments.
Moorside Mills was built around 1875 as a small worsted spinning Mill by John Moore. Ownership of the mills changed many times, and they developed and grew. In 1970, Bradford Council bought Moorside Mills from Messrs. W & J Whitehead to create an innovative museum.
Stuart House is a late medieval town house restored by the Stuart House Trust as an arts and heritage centre.
The garden to the rear of the House has been laid out as a 17th century Gentleman's Garden.
The House is used for arts and crafts exhibitions and sales, refreshments, lectures, music recitals and heritage exhibitions.
The Centre occupies the recently restored Old School building and documents the rich history of its area and of St Hilary Church. This sits in a stunning location which time forgot and has a unique collection of Newlyn-school paintings from the 1920's, formed by the then vicar, Bernard Walke.
An award-winning volunteer-run Museum comprising information, artefacts and curios relating to the Parish of St. Agnes.
'The Royal Cornwall Museum is an essential place to come to if you are fascinated by Cornwall' Kurt Jackson, artist
If you want to see an unwrapped Egyptian mummy, explorers medicine chest and a wide range of Cornish and British art then head to the Royal Cornwall Museum.
Redruth Old Cornwall Society Museum is part of Cornwall Gold and is located on New Portreath Rd, between Redruth and Portreath.
The Mining Section
The mining section contains a number of mine lamps including some carbide lamps which produce and burn acetylene (C2H2). These were used in the tin mining industry from about 1900.
The Mineral Collection
The Caradon mining area is a magnet for industrial heritage enthusiasts. The remains of engine houses on the south eastern edge of Bodmin Moor tell of 19th century mines producing copper, tin and other minerals. The mines circle the dramatic Cheesewring quarry which eats into the dark grey granite of Stowes Hill.
Bodmin Town Museum is situated on the lower ground floor of The Public Rooms which are on the site of Bodmin's Franciscan Friary.
The Museum houses a rich heritage of artifacts and collections that tell the story of Bodmin from the earliest times. Displays of material relating to social life, trade and transport, rocks and minerals, the World Wars, Cornish kitchen, Law and Order.
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.