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Smithdon High School

Cultural Experiences of DT and Engineering

Television

A range of TV series are available on a variety of DT and Engineering topics. Programmes on channels such as ‘Quest’ , ‘how it works’ , ‘How it’s Made’ and ‘Mighty Planes’ or even BBC2’s ‘Top Gear’ all provide an insight into design and manufacturing in applied situations.

There are also many interesting places which you can visit to help support your child’s understanding of Design Technology and Engineering.

The Science Museum

The Science Museum is the most visited science and technology museum in Europe. There are over 15,000 objects on display, including world-famous objects such as the Apollo 10 command capsule and Stephenson’s Rocket. www.sciencemuseum.org.uk  

The Design Museum 

Located on the River Thames, near Tower Bridge, the Design Museum offers inspiring insights into the world of design with exhibitions on fashion, architecture, furniture, graphic, product, transport and digital design. Alongside its cutting edge programme of temporary exhibitions the museum also hosts a variety of talks and family activities. www.designmuseum.org

The Faraday Museum at the Royal Institution 

This grand building just off Piccadilly has been home to 14 Nobel prize winners, and housed the laboratories of some of the world’s greatest scientific minds. The small but entertaining exhibition explores the illustrious history of the RI, and uses animations and comedy to explain some of the ground breaking concepts and equipment on show. www.rigb.org/visit-us/faraday-museum

The Royal Gunpowder Mills 

Located in Waltham Abbey, The Royal Gunpowder Mills is a great place for families to spend days out exploring the secret history of gunpowder, explosives and rocket propellants through our engaging interactive Exhibitions, Science Shows and Children’s Activities. 

www.royalgunpowdermills.com

Kirkaldy Testing Museum 

In Southwark, David Kirkaldy and his machine helped shape today’s world, testing materials for such as bridges from St Louis to Sydney via Blackfriars; railways; Liberty ships; the Skylon and Comet airliner. His Victorian workshop still houses the working machine and more. Open on the first Sunday of each month. www.testingmuseum.org.uk

London Transport Museum 

This museum whisks you on a journey of London’s transportation system since 1800, through fascinating and colourful displays, bus and tube simulators and many family-friendly interactive games and activities. www.ltmuseum.co.uk

The Crystal 

The Crystal, located in Docklands, a sustainable cities initiative explores the future of cities. Home to the world’s largest exhibition focused on urban sustainability and a world-class centre for dialogue, discovery and learning. The Crystal lets students experience first-hand many of the pioneering solutions and innovative technologies that are driving future trends for a more sustainable world. www.thecrystal.org