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

In August 2014 the Headington Shark came 24th in a list of the most creative sculptures and statues from around the world

An ancient site of incarceration (since 1071) offering a highly atmospheric history lesson spanning ten centuries, with hands on displays and real life prisoner stories. Quirky costumed tour guides are available every 20 minutes.

The old buildings have been preserved and are now open to the public revealing a time capsule: allowing the buildings to tell their captivating story.

Try the working period telephones and switchboards. Visit the Victorian Parlour and Schoolroom. Listen to an air raid in the Museum's Anderson Shelter. Make toast in the period kitchen. Visit the street of period shops. Visit the Hall of Transport. 

The Falkirk Wheel is one of Scotland's top tourist destinations and attracts visitors from all across the World.

The Cambridge Centre for Computing History was established as an educational charity to tell the story of the Information Age through exploring the historical, social and cultural impact of developments in personal computing. 

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.

Unique 18th-century mansion, famed for its mixture of architectural styles

Castle Ward will take you on a journey of discovery. The 18th-century eccentric house with two distinctly different styles, classical and Gothic, will entice you to explore further.

Down County Museum is located in the restored eighteenth century County Gaol of Down. The museum collects, conserves and interprets those objects which best illustrate the history, culture and environment of County Down.

The Downpatrick and County Down Railway runs through the drumlin countryside of County Down - St. Patrick's Country - over the River Quoile and under the graceful Down Cathedral. With a mix of steam and diesel trains, and vintage carriages, there's plenty for train fans of all ages - from wee kids to "big kids".

Ride our extensive twin track Miniature Railway supporting all gauges and boasting a fleet of cute miniature locomotives! Broomy Hill Station has a great hands on railway for the kids to play with and a museum too.

Entirely hand built by a local society since 1962, the Broomy Hill Miniature Railway is a charming treat for your little trainspotters, provided you can find an open day!

Visit this 'tower' mill and discover how the windmill works.

The Windmill is currently closed for restoration.

Please join us in November for our grand re-opening and our 200th birthday celebrations.

The Control Tower of this historic air base houses a living memorial to the American airmen and their planes, based here during World War II.

One of the earliest purpose-built artillery blockhouses in England, this brick tower was built in about 1398-9 to command a strategic point in Norwich’s city defence.

The tower was intended to house guns and a garrison of gunners to defend the approach to the city across the River Wensum. Its height of nearly 50 feet was necessary to overlook the high ground on the opposite bank.

STA Travel is the world’s largest travel company for teachers, students and young people. With over 35 years’ experience STA Travel Education organises safe, secure and exciting tailor-made trips for Schools, Colleges and Universities.

Spanning the Estuary of the River Forth in Scotland, the Forth Bridge represents the pinnacle of 19th century iron and steel bridge construction. A world wonder of its age, this Victorian engineering marvel that was made possible by new steel production processes, is arguably the world's greatest and most famous cantilever bridge

One of Britain's greatest industrial heritage sites, showing how a complete industrial community lived

Quarry Bank overflows with the atmosphere of the Industrial Revolution.

Experience over 100 years of the Army in the Air

The Museum of Army Flying is home to a unique collection of military aviation history, one of both international and national importance. We give a fascinating and imaginative glimpse of “soldiers in the air” and life on the Home Front.

Trace the history of drinking water, from the time of cave dwellers to present day, through a number of great displays and wonderful working engines. A number of Open Days in Steam throughout the year.

Based in a Victorian pumping station that served Hereford for 120 years, the museum tells the story of drinking water throughout the ages through a number of high quality displays.

An underground wonderland of stalactites, stalagmites, rocks, minerals and fossils. Home to Blue John Stone. The tour takes you to see Aladdin's Cave, Fairyland and the Dream Cave. The most famous formation is "The Stork". Events include an Easter Egg Hunt and at Christmas "Carols by Candlelight".

We offer 10 miles of heritage railway running through the beautiful scenery of South Nottinghamshire and North-West Leicestershire. We are also home to static displays, a large Miniature Railway, Model Railways, Road Transport Collection and Play Area, with a Cafe and Gift Shop as well.

A fearsome fortress

Muster your courage and explore Framlingham Castle's towering walls behind which Mary Tudor took refuge.

Discover Framlingham Castle's vast and colourful past as it became home to some of the most powerful people in Tudor England, an Elizabethan prison for the troubled, and a sanctuary for the poor in the 17th century.

The Coleraine Collection stems from the town's remarkable history. Coleraine is a town of several firsts - the first known settlement in Ireland at Mountsandel and the first 'planted' town in Ulster.

A great park with things to do for all the family including a skate park and miniature golf! Ride the miniature railway for a great experience!

Saxtead Green Post Mill is a corn mill, whose whole body revolves on its base and is one of many built in Suffolk from the late 13th century.

Come and enjoy our transport and engineering heritage

Ring the bell on a fire engine, drive a bus or visit our restoration zone.

The Ipswich Transport Museum has the largest collection of transport items in Britain devoted to just one town. Everything was either made or used in and around Ipswich, the county town of Suffolk. 

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