Education
Interactive Learning Centre
Due to the imminent start of building works, the Interactive Learning Centre will be closed from Monday 1 September 2008.
What is the Interactive Learning Centre I hear you ask? Or, as we like to call it, the ILC.
The ILC is the National Railway Museum’s hands on area, a place where science, technology and engineering come alive. It has exhibits that you can get your hands on to pull, push or experiment with and see, hear or feel. The challenge is to think about what’s happening and why. The ILC is designed primarily for use by visiting school groups, however such has been its success that the facilities are available to all visitors.
The ILC gives children the opportunity to experience, discover and learn about all aspects of the railways. It offers opportunities at Key Stages 1 - 3 in a number of subjects such as science, design and technology, maths and history. Activities include:
Wheel tapping
An experiment with a set of wheels and a hammer showing the work of the wheel tapper in testing railway wheels and the principles of sound waves.
Bridge Building
A simple experiment to build an arched bridge using formers, blocks and a keystone
Wheels on Rails
A basic experiment to find out the most suitable shape for a railway wheel if it is to stay on the track and negotiate curves
Signalling
A set of signal levers to explain communication and safety
Streamlining
A wind tunnel experiment, which shows the advantages of smooth shape in the design of railway vehicles, which travel at high speeds.
Track Building
A timed experiment in building a railway track
The Early Learning Area
The Early Learning Area is a soft space designed specially for children up to the age of 5 years. It is a bright and colourful multi-sensory fun experience that is closely linked to the Foundation Stage, Early Learning Goals.
Our younger visitors can build a soft steam or diesel engine and hear the sounds they make. They can also piece together a railway guard, animal train puzzle and try to guess what is inside the feely boxes.
To make the best use of this space we advise that numbers are limited in this area at any one time.
Do I have to book?
During school term time pre-booked groups can book a 50-minute slot in the ILC where they will have knowledgeable Explainers who are there to guide them through the learning experience. Their job is to help you understand the interactives and to get as much out of your visit as possible. Maximum children per group: 45
Teachers’ notes to accompany the activities in the ILC can be obtained from the NRM Education Team.