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

A haven on the east coast of County Antrim

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.

Kids love a day out on a steam train.

The Swindon & Cricklade Railway re-creates the kind of railway that today's children may only have been told about by their fathers and grandfathers.

LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Dallas/Fort Worth – join us to discover all the things you can do with LEGO® bricks!

A beautifully crafted museum where the static steam engines that used to power so many aspects of our lives are treasured and brought back to working life through an extraordinary system of steam pipes running throughout the complex of engine sheds.

The Hockerton Housing Project is the UK's first earth sheltered, self-sufficient ecological housing development. Since the completion of the houses in 1998 Hockerton Housing Project has established itself as an exemplar of sustainable development locally and nationally.

When in full public service, the railway will operate a circular tour with optional change at picnic station for trains to Far Leys car park.

The Royal Air Force Museum in Cosford offers a fun, entertaining day out for all the entire family. Situated next to an active airfield, this is the only place in the Midlands where you can get close to so many breathtaking aircraft for free.

The UK's largest volunteer-managed aviation museum with 75 aircraft and cockpit sections from across the history of aviation. 2 large Display Hangars housing more than 50 airframes; engine / artefacts displays; cafe and large shop. Regular special events and education programmes available.

Education Provision - Building for the Future 

Fun packed indoor museum covering motoring right through the 20th Century. Brum lives here and this is where he was filmed. He loves having his photo taken so don't forget your camera! Throughout the museum there are quizzes, feely boxes, building games, brass rubbings, old fashioned toys and dressing-up.

A seven mile train journey on a steam engine: great for a family day out with the kids, especially train mad ones!!

The line currently runs over a 3 and a half mile stretch along the foot of the Chiltern Hills running parallel to the Icknield Way, passing through attractive countryside with some outstanding views across the Vale of Whiteleaf.

Founded in 1786 this restored cotton mill - now a UNESCO World Heritage Site - was powered by the river Clyde and is situated close to the Falls of Clyde.

Inspiring Future Engineers and Scientists

The EDT is the largest provider of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) enrichment activities for the UK youth.

Our range of work related learning schemes provide opportunities for 11-21 year olds to enhance their technical, personal and employability skills through industry-led projects, industrial placements and specialised courses.

The Denny Tank is located in West Dunbartonshire, in the town of Dumbarton on the River Clyde, close to Dumbarton Castle. It was built by the Denny family, Victorian shipbuilders and designers, famous for their work on the Cutty Sark and inventors of the Denny helicopter and Denny hovercraft.

Thinktank is....

Everything you thought you knew about the world - but didn't! Find out about your world and yourself in our ten themed, hands-on galleries. Surprising! Hard to believe! And sometimes downright disgusting!! The perfect day out.

Whether you come to unwind or have fun, there's plenty for all at Draycote Water. Activities range from birdwatching and game fishing to walking and water sports. Dogs are only allowed in the Country Park.

Thomas Newcomen (1664-1729) designed and installed the first practical and successful steam engine, used initially for pumping water out of coal mines. Over 2,000 Newcomen engines were installed world-wide during the 18th and 19th centuries, over 600 of them before 1775 when James Watt was able to improve their efficiency.

A unique aeronautical collection

Midland Air Museum's exhibits range from the magnificent Avro Vulcan bomber through more than 30 other historic aircraft, both civil and military, aero engines and other artefacts, to a wide range of memorabilia.

Focuses on Kidderminster's international carpet supplying history and includes a great many textile examples, plus informative displays and exhibits.

Come and meet our carpet makers

Kid-sized railway for a pleasing jaunt up and down the line, open most weekends.

The Railway is open Most Weekends for rides up and down the line.
Catering and shop facilities are available in Kidderminster Railway Museum and Severn Valley Station.

A narrow gauge steam railway based at Evesham Country Park running regular passenger trains every weekend and main school holidays throughout the year.

Trains are usually steam hauled and travel for over a mile through the old apple orchards and around the country park, stopping briefly at Evesham Vale Station.

Standard Gauge Heritage Railway set in Chasewater country park, 4 mile round trip with steam and diesel engines and vintage carriages. Accredited Museum, Model Railway, also a narrow gauge miner's-style line, tea room and Sunday Carvery, gift shops. We are a Volunteer run charity.

Located on the edge of Hednesford Hills, the Museum of Cannock Chase illustrates the rich industrial heritage of the area, and the social and domestic life of times past.
Trace the history of Cannock Chase in our Local History gallery. Visit our Coal Mining Gallery to discover how coal shaped our area.

A single-span, cast-iron road bridge over the Cound Brook.

Possibly designed and certainly approved by the great engineer Thomas Telford, who was instrumental in shaping industrial Shropshire and the West Midlands. 

In the Roald Dahl children's gallery you can boggle your eyes and baffle your brain and let your imagination run wild!

Roofed conduit for Oxford's first water mains, constructed during the early 17th century. North Hinksey Conduit House is located on a hillside with views over the busy Oxford ring road to the spires of the city below.

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