Technology and Engineering combine the art of Design with the problem solving and understanding of the Sciences. Until specialism takes place late in students' school careers it is rarely taught as a separate subject, instead being wrapped up with its core subjects of Design and Science. However as the topic which results in moving machinery it is perfect for demonstrations, practical workshops and, of course, visits.
The places which schools take trips to immerse themselves in the world of technology typically concentrate on how the modern world is developing and so may feature computers, new technologies such as wind farms and recycling, and their environmental impact, plus
But of course there is a wide range of museums which celebrate how technology has developed over the years, particularly since the Industrial Revolution.
Many of the venues offer the possibility of practical workshops which allow students to create their own versions of the exhibits they have seen and discussed. All of these also present plenty of opportunity to deliver aspects of the curriculum such as PSHE, Politics, History and Citizenship alongside the core aim of Technology.
Main organisations:
Design and Technology Association (DATA)
Inclusion: NASEN
Thought of visiting?
The Museum of Technology, Peterborough
The Wellcome Collection, Euston
Museum of Army Flying, Stockbridge
Stuart House is a late medieval town house restored by the Stuart House Trust as an arts and heritage centre.
The garden to the rear of the House has been laid out as a 17th century Gentleman's Garden.
The House is used for arts and crafts exhibitions and sales, refreshments, lectures, music recitals and heritage exhibitions.
The Centre occupies the recently restored Old School building and documents the rich history of its area and of St Hilary Church. This sits in a stunning location which time forgot and has a unique collection of Newlyn-school paintings from the 1920's, formed by the then vicar, Bernard Walke.
An award-winning volunteer-run Museum comprising information, artefacts and curios relating to the Parish of St. Agnes.
'The Royal Cornwall Museum is an essential place to come to if you are fascinated by Cornwall' Kurt Jackson, artist
If you want to see an unwrapped Egyptian mummy, explorers medicine chest and a wide range of Cornish and British art then head to the Royal Cornwall Museum.
Redruth Old Cornwall Society Museum is part of Cornwall Gold and is located on New Portreath Rd, between Redruth and Portreath.
The Mining Section
The mining section contains a number of mine lamps including some carbide lamps which produce and burn acetylene (C2H2). These were used in the tin mining industry from about 1900.
The Mineral Collection
The Caradon mining area is a magnet for industrial heritage enthusiasts. The remains of engine houses on the south eastern edge of Bodmin Moor tell of 19th century mines producing copper, tin and other minerals. The mines circle the dramatic Cheesewring quarry which eats into the dark grey granite of Stowes Hill.
Bodmin Town Museum is situated on the lower ground floor of The Public Rooms which are on the site of Bodmin's Franciscan Friary.
The Museum houses a rich heritage of artifacts and collections that tell the story of Bodmin from the earliest times. Displays of material relating to social life, trade and transport, rocks and minerals, the World Wars, Cornish kitchen, Law and Order.
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 timber-framed house of Blakesley Hall was built in 1590 by Richard Smalbroke, a member of one of Birmingham’s leading merchant families. More than 400 years later, beautiful Blakesley is still a haven; secluded from the avenues of modern houses that lie beyond its gates. Admission charges apply to the Hall only.
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.
This new state of art musuem is managed by Blaina Heritage Action Group. The museum displays the heritage and history of Blaina and the local area.
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.
26 acres of open-air museum, comprising village, live period craft, underground mining experience and tram rides, plus plenty more. Our award-winning corner of the West Midlands is now one of the finest and largest museums in the United Kingdom.
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 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
Skidby Mill is a working four-sailed tower windmill, the last working mill in Yorkshire. It is set in an acre of land and has magnificent views over the Wolds. The mill is unusual in still having all its original outbuildings around the courtyard. Some of these buildings have been converted to form the Museum of East Riding Rural Life.
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.
The museum is based in the former USAF hardened command post o the former Bentwaters airfield. We believe this is the only such building open ot the public in hte UK and Europe.
Central Museum is in the heart of Southend on Sea. Home to collections of local and natural history and archaeology. It has a changing programme of exhibitions and events throughout the year. Entry to our exhibitions and building is free.
Central Museum houses the collections of local and natural history and archaeology.
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.
This museum houses the agricultural and social history collections of Craigavon Museum. There are displays on domestic life in rural areas, blacksmithing, haymaking and local industries. The collections on display include the tools of a local blacksmith as well as items illustrating the area's links with the linen industry, apple growing and rose growing.
The Ballycastle museum is housed in the 18th century courthouse and market building. The Collection includes the very important and fine Irish Homes Industries Workshop which was part on the Arts and Crafts Revival in Ireland. Much of this material was displayed in the Irish Pavilion at the St Louis World Fair in 1904 through F.J. Bigger and R.J. Welch.
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.
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.