About the Museum:
At The National Museum of Computing, voted one of England's 'Top 100 Irreplaceable Places', the evolution of Computing will unfold before your eyes. Journey from the early electro-mechanical code breaking machines of WWII and the world's first entirely digital semi-programmable computer, discovering how technology evolved from valves and early semiconductors to the modern microprocessors we use today. You will uncover the development of large mainframes, supercomputers and scientific mini-computers, responsible for process control from office-based systems to airspace! Finish by exploring the rise of personal computing, mobile computing and the advent of the internet and smart devices, bringing you up-to-date by examining how this technology has revolutionised the way we now interact with machines and each other. Home to the world's largest collection of working historic computers, our fantastic team of friendly and knowledgeable volunteers are on hand to demonstrate the plethora of operational machines in our unrivalled collection. We look forward to welcoming you!
About this Event:
This special day is organised to enable Home Educators to explore the Museum and experience educational activities that are typically available to school groups as part of our Education Programme. The content of the Museum is best suited to students aged 10 years and older. There are additional activities for accompanying younger students including a Family Activity Back Pack and 'Osmo' Learning Games.
Please see the schedule for the day below.*
Schedule
Activities will be offered as drop-in sessions from 11am so learners can self-direct without the pressure of a formal schedule. Activities will include options for every age:
Young learners (The Meeting Room)
Screen-free STEM - Introduce early programming skills through fun, interactive playsets, and games with Code & Go Robot Mouse, the 100% screen-free way to build STEM skills.
Engineering - Develop fine motor skills through mix and match of interchangeable cogs and gears to create endless combinations that build an understanding of cause and effect. Encourage exploration and discovery!
Augmented Reality - Combine real game pieces with modern digital technology for interactive learning opportunities that require the use of all five senses in enhanced reality games created by our partners at Osmo. (Maths, Coding, Art or Language skills).
Screen-free STEM - Full of fun features and special codes, including light-up eyes for night vision, Botley 2.0 comes packed full of hands-on coding activities and challenges, promoting critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Teens and Young Adults (BBC Classroom)
BBC BASIC - Go back in time to our 80s classroom and build an understanding of programming languages by creating customisable games on our original, working BBC Micros. [Computing]
Turing Tumble - Explore the origins of computers with our marble powered, mechanical computing machines that promote an understanding of binary (or machine) language. [Computing and Maths]
Enigmatic Encounters - Use our custom code wheel in this interactive code breaking challenge! Can you catch the undercover operatives before the time runs out? [Computing and Cryptography]
Advanced Learners (Innovation Hub)
Beginners Coding - Learn coding skills on our pocket-sized Micro:bit computers to create LED images activated by buttons or ‘shake’ sensors. They can even communicate with each other!
VR Headsets - Step into another world with our Oculus Quests (Limited availability)
Minecraft for Education - explore our virtual space and help us create a virtual Block H.
Self-guided Museum Exploration
Robot Rescue! - George the Robot is playing hide and seek with his friends but has forgotten how to walk. Explore the museum and find all our mini-bots before their batteries run out and they’re lost forever!
Mission: STEM - We need your help to discover Professor Proton's secret identity. Explore the museum and interact with exhibits to solve puzzles and save the George the Robot!
Women in Computing - Discover the inspirational achievements of past and present Women in Computing and explore their impact on the industry in this interactive museum exploration.
Code name: Cipher - The year is 1940 and you have been invited to Bletchley Park to assist in the war effort. Explore the museum and learn more about Encryption to end WWII in this immersive experience.
Programming languages - From 5-hole punch tape to Python! Explore how programming languages have progressed over the decades and solve puzzles using them to choose your favourite.
*Schedule subject to change.
You are free to explore the Museum at your pace. There will be guides on hand to support your learning. All activities are included in the ticket price.
Cancellation Policy:
We can accept cancellations and issue a refund up to seven days prior to the event date. The deadline to request a refund on your tickets for this event is 20th July 2022. Alternatively, we are always very happy to transfer your tickets to the next available/suitable event date. This can be done at any point up to the day of the event. Please Note: We are unable to issue a refund to no shows.
Covid-19 Regulations:
In line current Government Guidance on Covid-19, wearing a face covering is optional and at the discretion of the individual. The Museum is well ventilated, has hand sanitiser stations throughout and visitors are asked to practice social distancing.
