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
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.
A unique museum in a row of extraordinary 15th century timber framed buildings. Explore the countryside with our natural history collection and come face to face with some of the country’s most secretive animals. Be inspired by the writings of John Moore, a renowned conservationist, and enjoy the seclusion of the Secret Garden.
Combine an educational day out with a fun-filled trip to Gulliver’s World Theme Park!
Who says learning can’t be fun? We have put together some brilliant education packs that will show you how to create a fantastic educational experience at Gulliver's.
Take the lesson out of the classroom and onto the theme park. We have topics and ideas that will really engage your group.
Immerse yourself in the world famous story of Irish emigration at the museum that brings it to life. Follow the emigrant trail as you journey from the thatched cottages of Ulster, on board a full scale emigrant sailing ship leading to the log cabins of the American Frontier. Meet an array of costumed characters on your way with traditional crafts to show, tales to tell and food to share.
The Ecos Millennium Environmental Centre is a unique project in Ireland that opened on 7th August 2000. Ecos is set in a 150-acre Country Park, which has been created from previously disused land that is the River Braid flood plain.
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
The Waters Edge Country Park, provides a relaxing and stimulating day out for people of all ages. Situated to the north of Barton-Upon-Humber, on the edge of the Humber estuary, Waters Edge contains a wide diversity of plant and wildlife. Established in 1996 on a site which had previously been a series of clay quarries, Waters Edge has breathed new life into what was once a derelict area.
A museum of education in a unique complex of historic classrooms. Children of all ages can dress up in period costume to explore the classrooms, practice their writing in sand trays and on slates, play with Victorian toys and visit the Headmaster’s House to experience Victorian domestic life.
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.
Catalyst is the first science centre and museum devoted to the chemical industry.
Largest castle in Wales, well preserved & interpreted, exhibitions, film show, interactive table. We also provide Medieaval Treasure Chest handling and self-led activity packs on Castles, English and Science, Technology and Mathematics.
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.
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.
Set in over 500 acres of historic deer park, Wollaton Hall is a spectacular Tudor building home to the city's Natural History Museum.
Also see the Industrial Museum, Steam Engine House, Wollaton Visitor Centre and the Yard Gallery, plus exhibitions exploring art and the environment.
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.
Learn all about how cheese is made through a guided tour of a working dairy, and get to try some of it too. Cheese Experience Days offered for those who want to have a go themselves.
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.
It's the perfect place to experience go-karting, whether it's a fun day out, a launching pad to greater things, or as the thrill of a lifetime.
Explore London's connections with the rest of the world through an epic 2,000-year story of trade, expansion and immigration.
Coldharbour Mill, built in 1799 as the first Spinning Mill in the South West, preserves a collection of Victorian Spinning Frames for the Worsted process & Hattersley Looms, still in use to produce Knitting Yarns, Tartan Cloth and Stair Runners.
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.