Spring 1
What Impact Has Engineering Had on Human Lives?
This term, Year 4 will explore the fascinating question:
“Development in technology made Britain more powerful. Support or challenge?”
Through this project, children will investigate how engineering and technological advances shaped Britain during the Victorian era and beyond. They will learn about electricity, mechanisms, and the Industrial Revolution, culminating in the design and creation of a motorised cam toy inspired by Victorian innovation.
What Will Children Learn?
- History: The Victorian era, the British Empire, and the Industrial Revolution’s impact on trade and society.
- Science: Electricity, circuits, conductors, and insulators.
- Design & Technology: How to design, prototype, and build a motorised product using cams and followers.
- Geography: How Britain’s global trade links evolved during the Victorian era.
Key Experiences
- Victorian classroom trip!
- Investigating circuits and building electrical systems.
- Exploring cam mechanisms and creating prototypes.
- Designing and making a motorised cam toy for our own Great Exhibition.
Why This Matters
This project helps children understand how technological progress influences society and global relationships. They will also explore human rights, comparing Victorian children’s experiences with modern-day rights under the UN Convention.
How You Can Support at Home
- Discuss inventions from the Victorian era and their impact today.
- Look for examples of cams and mechanisms in everyday objects.
- Share stories and books about Victorian Britain, such as The Great Stink by Colleen Paeff or Stolen History by Sathnam Sanghera.
The Final Outcome
By the end of the term, children will:
- Showcase a motorised cam toy they have designed and built.
- Present their work at a class Great Exhibition, explaining how engineering shaped Victorian Britain.
- Debate whether technological development truly made Britain more powerful.
