Prepare to Launch

Design, build and test an aircraft to launch from an aircraft carrier catapult system.

This hands-on session begins with an introduction to the forces of flight, and the importance of design to stable flight. Pupils will build their own aircraft from a range of balsa wood parts, before flight tests are carried out from our unique moving aircraft carrier model. As part of working scientifically, pupils will need to repeat their investigations making improvements based on their initial results.

Curriculum Links:

• Science: Forces, working scientifically, and use of scientific vocabulary
• Design & Technology: Design, construction, trial and improvement leading to evaluation of overall design
• Maths: Measuring and recording

Parachutes

Design a pararchute to drop vital supplies.

Working together as a team, pupils will need to design and construct a parachute with a protective basket to successfully lower an egg safely onto the target. Teams will be judged on design, accuracy and the condition of the egg.

Curriculum Links:

• Science: Forces (weight and air resistance), working scientifically, and use of scientific vocabulary
• Design & Technology: Design, construction, selection of materials, trial and improvemnt leading to evaluation of overall design

Codebreaking

A practical activity deciphering codes from throughout the ages.

Our codebreaking session will take you through how codebreaking has been used through the ages, from the Roman age to present day. Pupils will have a chance to test their skills on these puzzles and patterns throughout the session, before finally becoming WW2 codebreakers working with Morse code.

Curriculum Links:

• Mathematics: Pattern and logical thinking
• History: A study of an aspect or theme in British history that extends pupils' chronological understanding beyond 1066.
• Design & Technology: Understand how key events and individuals in design and technology have helped shaped the world.

History Workshops

Touching the Past - Life during WW1 (New for 2019)

This investigative workshop takes a look at the lives of those affected by the First World War

Using objects, letters and stories from our handling collection, pupils will form their own research to reveal what life was like during the Great War, both at home and abroad.

Curriculum Links:

• History: A study of an aspect or theme in British history that extends pupils' chronological knowledge beyond 1066.
• PSHE: Develop empathy for the experiences of civilliams at home and the impact of the total war on their lives.

The Battle of Britain

Investigate the first battle ever to take place entirely in the air and why it was such a significant turning point in the course of WW2.

Investigate why the Battle of Britain was so significant to the course of World War 2. Explore the experience of the young aircrews; including the 54 Fleet Air Arm pilots who fought alongside their RAF and Allied colleagues throughout the Battle. This session uses aircrew equipment, photographs, film and personal records, including some for South West England, to enable young researchers to access both military and personal perspectives on the Battle.

Curriculum links:

• History: A study of an aspect or theme in British history that extends pupils’ chronological understanding beyond 1066; a local history study.
• PSHE: Develop empathy for the experiences of those who took part and for those whose futures depended upon them

WW2 – War on the Homefront

What did war with Germany 1939-45 mean for civilians experiencing the conflict on the Homefront?

What did the threat of bombing from the air and coping with life on the Homefront mean for British civilians in WW2? Learn your bomb drills and air raid precautions, examine an evacuee’s suitcase and complete an ID card or a Warden’s Report or make a gas mask box (please note that a small additional resources charge is payable for gas mask boxes and ID cards).

Curriculum links:

• History: a study of an aspect or theme in British history that extends pupils’ chronological understanding beyond 1066.
• PSHE: Develop empathy for the experiences of civilians at home and the impact of total war on their lives.

WW2 – Life on Rations

Can you feed an adult for one week in WW2. Investigate, weigh, measure and plan your menus.

This interactive session puts you in the shoes of a family under rationing restrictions, with pupils having to investigate and plan a week's rationed meal plan for their teacher. Students will have to weigh, measure and barter with other teams to plan their meal within the limits of rationing.

Curriculum links:

• History: a study of an aspect or theme in British history that extends pupils’ chronological understanding beyond 1066.
• PSHE: Develop empathy for the experiences of civilians at home and the impact of total war on their lives.
• Mathematics: Using weights and scales:additon and subtraction: estimation