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

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.

Lydia Eva is the last steam drifter and the last boat to have been constructed in the ship yard in Kings Lynn. Over 1000 of these fishing vessels worked out of Yarmouth in the 1920s.

On-board displays tell the story of the Lydia Eva and the East Coast herring fishing industry.

St Seraphim’s is an Orthodox Chapel created in 1967 by Father David and Leon Liddament of the Brotherhood of St Seraphim in what was previously the booking office and gentlemen’s waiting room of Walsingham Railway Station. An onion dome and cross were added to the original 1857 building, but otherwise it remains relatively unchanged from its original design.

Glorious steam and gorgeous gardens

A countryside extravaganza of delightful gardens, Dad’s Army memorabilia, Victorian fairground rides, steam trains and traction engines and more.

Norfolk’s railways treasured

This museum tells the story of East Anglia’s railways and in particular William Marriott’s Midland and Great Northern Joint Railway (or the ‘Muddle and Get Nowhere’ as it was affectionately known).   

Also known as the "Poppy Line", the North Norfolk Line is a preserved steam railway connecting the town of Sheringham to the picturesque Georgian town of Holt.

The North Norfolk Railway offers far more than just a train ride, experience yesterday tomorrow with a day out travelling through some of Norfolk’s stunning coastal countryside.

Norfolk’s flying past and present

Over a dozen complete aircraft are on display ranging from the tiny wooden Evans VP-2 all the way up to a huge Vulcan B.2 and the Nimrod MR2. 

Displays showcase East Anglia’s rich aviation history taking in RAF and USAAF bases in World War II, helicopters, uniforms, link trainers and the search and rescue service.

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.

Large park with canal-side patio cafe, adventure Play Areas are suitable for children between the ages of 2 and 14, picnicking and fishing opportunities.

Children must be supervised at all times. Colouring and worksheets available for children.

Colliery

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.

Hands on interactive exhibits on two floors explaining how things are made. Visitors receive a basket of component parts to make up one of ten kits: it's yours to take home.

Visit this Leicestershire favourite with great family activities, high quality exhibitions, interactive fun and a few surprises along the way. From planes and trains, mining and engineering, fashion and toys to colliery tours, train rides and science play, there really is something for everyone. 

Sitting proudly atop Norman earthworks, Conisbrough Castle is a dominating presence over the local area. Built by Lord Hamelin Plantagenet during the 12th century, Conisbrough’s spectacular magnesian limestone keep is a design unique in Britain.

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.

A scheduled ancient monument rich in domestic nostalgia

Before the discovery of natural gas in the North Sea, Britain’s gas was made from coal. Fakenham’s gas museum combines industrial archaeology with social and cultural history. It charts the first steps to light up homes and cities at night and to provide heating and domestic appliances. It also pays homage to an industry that between 1800 and 1970 employed over a million people.  

The Royal Mint is a national treasure, making beautifully crafted coins and medals for countries all over the world. Over a thousand years of craftsmanship and artistry ensures every piece we strike is a long lasting piece of history.

A surprisingly beautiful and fascinating Victorian Pumping Station, that is still operational on ‘steam days’. Learn how it supplied Nottingham with water during the early 1880s. Surrounded by a lovely garden with a lake.

A museum at Wollaton Hall covering the industrial history of Nottingham from lacemaking to motorcycle manufacture. Steam day on the last Sunday of every month, plus a calendar of changing events during the year.

Great local museum which celebrates the culture and social history of the people of Lincolnshire from 1750 to the present day. There are a number of exhibits, which illustrate commercial, agricultural, industrial, and domestic life.

The Natural World Centre is a state of the art sustainably designed visitor centre within the beautiful 375 acre Whisby Nature Park, just to the south of Lincoln. 

Find out all about St Neots in this small but fascinating museum. Free entry for local residents.

There is an interesting selction of photographs and objects, plus a number of hands on activities, which the kids will love.

HMS Warrior, launched in 1860, was the pride of Queen Victoria's fleet. Powered by steam and sail, she was Britain's first iron-hulled, armoured warship and the largest, fastest and most powerful ship of her day. Warrior was, in her time, the ultimate deterrent, yet within a few years became obsolete.

The Home of Seahenge

This recently re-furbished town museum tells the story of Kings Lynn and west Norfolk. Gleaming display cases are packed with objects from the area’s colourful past including collections of pilgrim’s badges, maritime treasures and a fantastic hoard of Iceni gold coins. 

Wide-ranging displays of aircraft, aviation archaeology and more from World War I to the Falklands and Iraq wars.

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