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

Geevor Tin Mine, dramatically situated on Cornwall’s Atlantic coast is the largest preserved mine site in the country and the gateway to the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site. Explore the many surface buildings with their magnificent mining machinery, get interactive in the Hard Rock museum and go underground into 19th century Wheal Mexico mine!

The Bluebell Museum collects, preserves, interprets and makes accessible to the public, artefacts, history, customs, practice and skills relating specifically to the Bluebell Railway and generally to the railways in the South of England. 

The Abertillery and District Museum is run by the volunteers of Abertillery and District Museum Society. The Abertillery and District Museum originally opened on the 13th of January 1972 on the ground-floor of Abertillery library. 

Blackwell is an internationally important icon of Arts and Crafts architecture. Built as a late Victorian holiday home for Manchester industrialist and Mayor Sir Edward Holt, it is a stunning example of the social mobility and artistic response to the Industrial Revolution.

The original plan for the route was for the line to run from the Shrewsbury and Hereford line at Craven Arms to join what eventually became the Cambrian Railway near Montgomery, with a short branch to Bishop’s Castle.

The Biggar Albion Foundation (Scottish Charity No. SC031203) is based in Biggar, Lanarkshire, Scotland. The Foundation is responsible for the Albion Club, the Albion Archive, the Biggar Rally and the Albion Museum at North Back Road, which houses a collection of historic Albion vehicles and units.

Big Pit Amgueddfa Lofaol Cymru

Big Pit is a real coal mine and one of Britain's leading mining museums. With facilities to educate and entertain all ages, Big Pit is an exciting and informative day out.

Underground Tours

Made famous by John ‘Iron Mad’ Wilkinson, a leading figure in the Industrial Revolution, the once noisy Bersham Ironworks now nestles quietly in the attractive Clywedog Valley, two miles outside Wrexham in north-east Wales.

School history workshops for KS2 - KS3 pupils.

Britain's last surviving working Roundhouse

Whatever your memories of Britain’s railways you’ll be amazed at what you can see at Barrow Hill and its preserved Roundhouse.

Throughout each year the galas feature working steam and diesel locomotives, which are often joined by a variety of visiting steam and modern diesel locomotives off the main line.

The North East of England has a rich and varied industrial heritage. Public transport is part of that heritage and has affected everyday life in this northern region.

A museum capturing the history of Malmesbury

Malmesbury’s pretty old; archaeological digs have shown there was a Neolithic fort here around 2,500 BC so people have lived here for four and a half thousand years! So Malmesbury may be the oldest town in the country.

It claims as well to be the oldest borough as King Alfred (you know, the king that burnt the cakes) granted a charter to the town in 880 AD.

A delightful and absorbing experience that combines entertainment, sentiment, humour and fantasy

The Andrew Logan Museum of Sculpture is the only museum in Europe dedicated to a living artist. Andrew had always dreamed of opening a museum to share with the world his unique approach to life and art.

Amersham Museum is an award winning museum located in a 15th century building in the heart of old Amersham. It is a hidden gem with a collection spanning 2,000 years of local history. 

Exceptional Tours, Expertly Delivered

When you choose WST to plan your school tour you’re choosing to travel with the experts. With over 300 combined years of experience, our 2013/14 brochure is packed with tours linked directly to the subjects, study themes and learning outcomes from the National Curriculum, but more than that, our Tour Consultants have an in-depth knowledge of your subject and your chosen destination.

We are the organisation to encourage the people of Greater Manchester to recycle more and recycle better.

The community we live and work in needs to appreciate waste as a valuable resource. We have to recycle it. We all need to lead the way, to drive it forward and take the initiative.

Adaptable Travel provides innovative educational tours for thousands of passengers each academic year from schools, colleges and universities. We pride ourselves on offering unique, safe and low-cost school trips and study tours. 

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.

Victorian coastal defence and secret rocket testing site perched high above the Needles Rocks

Perched high above the Needles at the extreme tip of the Island, with unrivalled views of the Solent and unspoilt countryside, is the Needles Old Battery a Victorian fort built in 1862 and used throughout both World Wars.

Good karting fun for kids aged 8 and over

Absolutely Karting is great to have a bit of fun and get the adrenalin going.

Budding petrol heads will enjoy trying to master the demanding track using the 270cc GT5 karts, with a range specially designed to cater for kids as young as 8.

A full safety briefing is given, which kids will be expected to take seriously.

Relax & experience the nostalgia of this unique heritage railway, winding you gently on a 5 1/2 mile round steam journey over ever changing gradients and through beautiful picturesque North Staffordshire countryside.

Among the best preserved ancient villages in the south west, occupied from the Iron Age until late Roman times. It includes the foundations of stone houses, and an intriguing 'fogou' underground passage.

Archaeology

Housed in the Old Custom House in the dock area, one of the oldest buildings in the town. The museum illustrates the history of the major industries which the town has been home to - whaling, fishing and petroleum.

The Museum collection reflects all of these aspects of the town's history, but focuses particularly on the maritime history.

Groups and schools welcome.

Discover the history of lead mining in the Peak District and how it has shaped the landscape since Roman times. Interactive exhibits and climbing tunnels for the kids. Lots of relics to see, plus hundreds of rock and mineral specimens.

Visit the award-winning IWM North to discover powerful stories that reveal how war shapes lives, from a soldier’s last letter home to the twisted steel of New York City's World Trade Center. Housed in Daniel Libeskind’s iconic building representing a globe torn apart by conflict, IWM North offers a free day out like no other.

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British schoolgirl assaulted on school trip to Iceland

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A viral video shows a black girl being assaulted by a white woman in a corridor.

Police in Iceland are investigating after a British schoolgirl was slapped and chased by a tour guide in a hotel corridor.

The schoolgirl, 13, who attended Harris Girls’ Academy, was assaulted whilst on a school trip to Iceland to see the Northern Lights. The incident occurred at Hotel Örk, Hveragerdi on 13th October.