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

Picturesque watermill with working waterwheel

A delightful piece of late Elizabethan playfulness. Built for banquets and converted into a mill in the 19th century.

A traditional English landscape

Outridge is an 80 acre farm set on the side of Toy's Hill. It has an impressive grade 2 listed square oast house and piggery located in its centre and is home to the Octavia Hill basecamp.

A 10-km (6.5 mile) underground track between Paddington Station and Whitechapel sorting offices, it was served by a fleet of 2-ft gauge driverless electric trains, once transporting 30,000 mailbags containing four million letters and packets every day.

Part of the Stephen Beaumont Museum, it includes a padded cell and other exhibits from the West Riding Pauper Lunatic Asylum, built in 1818.

The Mental Health Museum is a unique museum in the heart of the Fieldhead site in Wakefield. It is run by South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.

Start Point is one of the most exposed peninsulas on the English Coast, running sharply almost a mile into the sea on the South side of Start Bay near Dartmouth. The Lighthouse, sited at the very end of the headland, has guided vessels in passage along the English Channel for over 150 years.

The Winding House Museum is a bold, glass-fronted structure that has been constructed around the former Elliot Colliery winding house

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.

Impressive Cornish beam engines and industrial heritage discovery centre

At the very heart of the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site sit these two great beam engines, originally powered by high-pressure steam boilers introduced by local hero Richard Trevithick.

Preserved in their towering engine houses, they are a reminder of Cornwall's days as a world-famous centre of industry, engineering and innovation.

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British schoolgirl assaulted on school trip to Iceland

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