KS3/4

This guided exploration of the Victorian rope-laying highlights the science and technology of the rope making process that has developed over the last 400 years. Which team will produce the most imaginative and commercial design? Each pupil will be given an individual rope sample to take away with them.

Straight off the gun deck of an 18th century warship, the students use their knowledge of chemistry and laboratory practice to create the perfect propellant, then launch a ball bearing from their chemical cannon to outgun the other gun crews.

Students compete to develop their own accurate missiles using Newton’s Laws and principles of aerodynamics to destroy a target. This lively activity is inspired by the Sea Cat missiles on board HMS Cavalier. Nothing beats the satisfying sound of a direct hit!

Stimulated by the National Maritime Museum model collection, teams of students compete to construct and test prototype hull shapes and propulsion systems against their peers. Facing the challenge of the tow tank wind and wave machine, students realise what a difference the knowledge of naval architecture makes to the performance of a ship.

For those groups looking for a less curriculum-focused day out, The Historic Dockyard offers the perfect place for a group of any size as we can easily accommodate even whole Secondary year groups. The site has a wide variety of galleries and attractions, with experiences to appeal to all members of a cohort.