 |
Programme
of Educational Activities 2008
Supporting schools in delivering quality education
At the EcoTech Centre we offer a range of educational
experiences for all ages. We cater for a wide variety of organisations
including schools, home education groups, clubs and professional
associations. Visits can be tailored to take into account the needs
of your own group.
We offer a Fun and Informative programme of educational
activities, suitable for all age groups and abilities.
Centre Visits and Educational Activities
Your questions answered
Who can visit EcoTech?
All are welcome. We have programmes specially designed for:
• School groups – All Key Stages
• We welcome groups with special educational needs
• Home educators
• Higher and Further Education students
• Youth organisations
• Professional organisations
• Clubs and Societies
• The Centre has wheelchair access
Do you have a varied programme of Environmental Education?
Definitely: At the EcoTech Centre we are interested in a range of
environmental issues. We can introduce the concept of sustainability
and use this as an umbrella to explore many areas including power
generation and renewable energy, recycling and waste, eco design
for buildings, organic food production and wildlife gardening. We
can tailor the programme to suit your needs and interests, and can
cover some or all of the above during your visit. We will focus
on the topic areas you select and then explore linkages between
these during your stay.
A more detailed breakdown of these activities is given under ‘Programme
Details’.
Are there links to the National Curriculum?
Certainly: Our programme has clear links with science, geography,
citizenship, and design and technology. A list of links can be provided
on request. We can also use your visit to encourage and extend skills
in mathematics and literacy.
Is the programme flexible?
Very much so: We aim to provide a programme that meets the needs
of your school or organisation. Before you visit, our education
manager can discuss with you your requirements and match these with
our specialist areas. We can adapt the programmes and even develop
or utilise new sessions to complement work being undertaken at your
school.
Before you visit we can draw up a personalised schedule for your
school to help with organisation and to ensure the most effective
use of your time with us.
What educational facilities can we use at EcoTech?
A visit can include:
• the use of our purpose built theatre in which we show films
relating to current environmental issues and introduce audiences
to a range of topics
• a tour of the EcoTech Centre looking at environmental designs
and eco-buildings
• exploring our organic gardens and wildlife area with one
of our guides
• a tour of the onsite wind turbine, with the opportunity
to climb 65m to the top. This is the only viewing platform of its
kind in the UK and one of only two in the world!
Do you provide experienced staff during our visit?
Yes we do: Experienced guides are available for your visit, providing
information and leading activities. Resources are provided for any
self-guided component you choose. Our education team has extensive
experience of working with all age groups.
Is there somewhere we can have lunch as a group?
Indoors and Outdoors: We provide indoor seating areas where school
groups can eat their packed lunches. You are also welcome to use
our outside picnic area. We have a café from which visitors
can purchase a range of refreshments including hot and cold drinks
and sweets. (Large groups wishing to buy meals are advised to make
arrangements in advance).
Hand washing facilities are available on site and there is a small
gift shop selling souvenirs.
How much does a visit and turbine tour cost?
Our educational visit prices are kept to a minimum and offer value
for money. A typical visit, including the guided turbine tour, costs
£6 plus vat per school student. Accompanying staff are free.
Please contact the Centre for costs and further details.
Are there First Aid provisions and Risk Assessments for
our visit?
Yes, we fully appreciate the importance of these. We have first
aid facilities and trained first aiders on site. This will be in
addition to any provisions made by the school itself. We have conducted
risk assessments and can provide you with these upon request.
Programme Details
A selection of activities we can offer you in 2008
Our Education Programme introduces and develops the idea of sustainability,
through a variety of activities. Under the umbrella of sustainability
we can explore power generation and renewable energy, recycling
and waste, eco design for buildings, organic food production, wildlife
gardening and biodiversity. We believe that learning should be fun
and appropriate to the needs of the students. Your student’s
requirements can be discussed in advance with our education team.
We use a selection of delivery methods including talks, group activities,
audio visual presentations, activity sheets, problem solving and
creative exercises.
‘Turbine Tour’
Climb to the top of the only wind turbine in the UK with its own
public viewing platform. During the ascent students get a close-up
look at the turbine and its construction. Once at the top they can
take in the view and find out more about wind energy. Our guides
are able to provide information and help to ensure you get the most
from your climb.
Where suitable, activities can include games, debates, art and craft,
maths and literacy challenges, talks and trails. We can tie activities
in with any project work your students are undertaking, as appropriate.
Suggested links include energy, sustainability, biodiversity, citizenship,
geography and technology. We also welcome groups wishing to make
visits with a very general approach.
‘Turbine Tweekers’
This activity allows students to explore the many different possibilities
when designing a turbine. They construct their own kit model turbine
and then compare the effectiveness of their different designs. Students
can use their kit to measure the electricity they produce or to
power light bulbs. The activity can lead into a data collection
and presentation exercise, and should encourage discussion as to
why differences occur.
‘Energisers’
Using wind, solar panel and thermal kits, students can explore the
ways in which we can capture the energy around us. By modifying
the environment and making changes to the equipment they can look
at ways of optimising their technology. Students can also collect
and present the data generated from the activity and discuss the
influences at play.
‘Reduce, Reuse, Recycle’
We all use things and we all produce junk! In this activity students
take a closer look at rubbish and their own impact on the environment.
Incorporating a simple mini auditing exercise, students can understand
their contribution to the junk mountain. An important part of this
activity is to consider our responsibilities and to look at what
each of us can do to help ‘make a difference’, whilst
having fun and learning about the world around us.
‘Energy Flows’
Each of us use energy as we go about our daily lives. Students are
encouraged to look at the many ways in which we rely upon energy
supplies, and to consider the serious implications for our planet.
Students consider life style and technology as a way of exploring
their role in energy management.
‘Scrap Heap Challenge’
Can you turn your scrap heap into a working model? Students use
their ingenuity to design and make structures or models that can
meet the challenge. Having discovered the strengths and limitations
of their designs, links are made to the potential uses of recycled
materials. This activity encourages group working and an understanding
of materials and their properties, in an enjoyable and exciting
way.
‘Where’s my Dinner?!’
Students take each other on a journey through the organic and heritage
garden. During their mapping exercise they discover facts about
the way we produce our food and the implications this has for us
and our world. This includes considerations of energy, pollution,
food miles, healthy eating, conservation and biodiversity. Observational
skills, clear description and accurate presentation are developed
whilst gaining a greater understanding of the methods and impacts
of food production.
‘Home Sweet Home’
Students visit our wildlife area and design a wildlife garden, incorporating
their own ideas. The activity promotes an understanding of the requirements
of animals and plants, their interactions, and aspects of climate
and microclimate. It should also inspire students to enjoy wildlife
areas in their own gardens or school grounds and to appreciate the
value and pleasure of exploring habitats.
‘Eco-buildings and Eco-design’
Students take a fresh look at the way a building can be
designed to incorporate eco design principles. Through a video and
tour of our own onsite building and demonstration equipment they
can learn about some of the ways we can utilize energy from the
sun, source ‘green’ materials, and create a fun place
to be.
How can I find out more?
If you wish to request a brochure, make a booking or have any questions
relating to educational visits please contact Stuart Weaver (Manager)
or other members of the team on 01760 726100. Alternatively, email
sweaver@ecotech.org.uk.
We look forward to seeing you soon!
Turbine Tour Health and Safety Advice
There are 305 steps to the top of the turbine, with two rest platforms
available. If anyone changes their mind there is always the opportunity
for visitors to return to the start at any point. Visitors are advised
that the turbine tour may not be appropriate for those with heart
conditions, acute asthma, vertigo or claustrophobia. We advise anyone
who is pregnant or has any other condition that is likely to affect
their ability to climb, not to go on the turbine tour.
Turbine tours may be suspended during extreme weather conditions
and we can give advice beforehand.
The turbine tour is suitable for children aged seven and over and
we have a minimum height restriction of 1.20m (4 feet). Suitable
footwear should be worn and laces done up!
The Ecotech Centre presents an excellent opportunity for schools,
businesses and individuals to learn more about renewable energy,
sustainable business practices, organic horticulture and the environment.
For
further information about education at the Ecotech Centre, please
contact:
Stuart
Weaver, Education
Manager
[ T ] 01760
726 735
[ F ] 01760
726 763
[ E ] sweaver@ecotech.org.uk |
