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.
A large area of beautiful downland and woodland, including West Wood. The Park is ideal for walking and picnicking, with fine views over central Hampshire, particularly from the interesting monument at Beacon Hill.
The 'Horse Monument' at Farley Mount
Located in the area where graphite was first mined for pencils and the first pencil factory was built in 1832.
Coventry is the birthplace of the British cycle and motor industry. If you’re looking for a fantastic FREE day out for all the family, you can’t beat Coventry Transport Museum.
The exciting, new £27 million Mary Rose Museum opened its doors to visitors last year. Located just metres from Nelson's flagship, HMS Victory and the ships of the modern Royal Navy, the new museum provides one of the most significant insights into Tudor life in the world and creates the new centrepiece to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.
The Windermere Steamboat Museum has a nationally important collection of historic vessels demonstrating the continuous development of boatbuilding in the Lake District over 200 years from 1745. The collection, however, dates from 1200 all the way through to the late 20th century and is an important part of the dispersed national boat and maritime collection.
National Railway Museum Shildon, also known as Locomotion: The National Railway Museum at Shildon or Shildon Locomotion Museum was built during 2004 at a cost of £11.3 million, and is based on the former "Timothy Hackworth Victorian Railway Museum".
A lovely miniature steam railway that runs on Sundays from the beginning of March to September. There is also a lovely 16mm gauge model railway to enjoy. Inexpensive, old fashioned fun.
It is definitely worth a visit if you are already in the area on a Sunday between from the beginning of March to September.
Stephenson Railway Museum is open Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays until 2 November 2014 and all week during school holidays (excluding Christmas holidays). With heritage train rides on Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays.
200 years since George Stephenson built his first locomotive Blucher.
Amerton Railway is a mile long 2 foot gauge line with spectacular seasonal specials, regular open days great for family trips, a railway museum and tours available of the Locomotive Shed.
It is home to a 115 year old W.G. Bagnall Saddle tank called Isabel, so important to Stafford that she was placed on a plinth outside of Stafford Railway Station until she was restored.
The National Waterfront Museum (Amgueddfa Genedlaethol y Glannau) tells the story of industry and innovation in Wales, now and over the last 300 years.
Modelled on the Eiffel Tower, when Blackpool Tower opened in 1894 it was the tallest building in Britain. It took just 3 years to construct using 5 million bricks and over 2,500 tonnes of steel. It can be seen from as far afield as the Lake District and North Wales.
Expect the unexpected including a space toiler, a seven-toed cat and a pregnant man.
Delve into the archives of scientific geniuses such as James Lovelock or peer into the future of the latest psychological advances.
The Yorkshire Air Museum is the largest independent air museum in Britain and is also the location of The Allied Air Forces Memorial. It is a Registered Charity and nationally accredited museum (No.66).
Nestling in a valley that reaches down to the sea on east Devon’s dramatic Jurassic Coast, the village of Branscombe is surrounded by picturesque countryside with miles of tranquil walking through woodland, farmland and beach. Branscombe's charming thatched houses, working forge and restored watermill add to the timeless magic of the place.
A full-size railway service running regular steam-hauled passenger trains between Kidderminster and Bridgnorth, largely along the scenic River Severn. We operate along 16 miles of track from Kidderminster via Bewdley to Bridgnorth.
Situated on a large inner city allotment site the Birmingham EcoPark is an environmental education centre which is owned and managed by the Wildlife Trust for Birmingham and the Black Country.
A unique collection of vehicles from around the world. Over 400 amazing cars and bikes from nostalgic classics of the 50s and 60s, glorious Bentleys and Rolls Royces to exciting super cars of today, like the Jaguar XJ220.
Our Halls include:
The Leighton Buzzard Railway is one of the last survivors of the hundreds of 2 foot (610mm) gauge light railways built in Britain for industrial use. It is believed to be the only remaining line which owed its existence to the ready availability of surplus materials and equipment from the First World War battlefield supply lines.
Lings Wood Environmental Centre is situated in Lings Local Nature Reserve, a magnificent, urban woodland covering over 22 hectares in the Eastern District of Northampton.
The lake railway uses miniature narrow gauge steam engines on its trains to give a scenic 3 mile return trip along the side of Rudyard Lake. Special family events at Bank holidays, children's parties and Santa trains in December.
In a beautiful valley of the river Frome, on the border between Wiltshire and Somerset and only nine miles from Bath, stands the remains of Farleigh Hungerford Castle.
Started in the 14th century, it still has much for visitors to enjoy and provides a great day out for families to enjoy the beautiful surrounding countryside.
A working steam museum where you can step back in time to the steam age. On steaming open days visitors can ride in vintage carriages pulled by a full sized steam engine and on our extensive miniature railway.
A visit to Islandmagee is a trip back to less rushed and stressful times. A peninsula on the East Antrim coast steeped in history with cottages, rolling fields, quiet villages and spectacular coastline, it is a microcosm of the Northern Ireland countryside.
Enjoy one of Britain's most iconic and evocative survivors of the English Civil War, partially demolished in 1646 by the Parliamentarians.
A favourite haunt for adults and children alike, you can't fail to be captivated by these romantic castle ruins with breathtaking views across Purbeck.
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.