Essential information

Location
Key Stage
SEND
Curriculum links
Science
Session length 50 minutes
Session times Wednesday, flexible times
Capacity 15 learners per session (including 3 wheelchair users)
Price Free

Session overview

Entry level: Pre-Key Stage, MLD, SLD, PMLD, ASC, EBD 

Introduction 

In the Learning Space, the facilitator introduces themselves, the Prince Philip Maritime Collections Centre (PPMCC) and the session to the learners. If appropriate, learners put on lab coats just like conservators do.

Investigation of materials 

Learners examine a variety of objects made from different materials and explore how to keep objects safe. Hands-on investigations of three possible causes of damage (pests, light and human touch) are carried out. 

Painting Store visit 

Learners tour the Painting Store and, building on their discoveries when investigating the different materials, work together to figure out how best to protect objects in the store.

Learning objectives

Learners will:

  • Show awareness of different materials and their properties
  • Develop communication skills through expressing preferences and opinions
  • Develop an understanding of how to store and care for our own possessions

Curriculum links

Science

  • Perform simple tests
  • Identify and classify materials
  • Gather and record data 

Understanding the World

  • Responsibility when caring for their special objects
  • What they can do to make sure their special objects are looked after and don’t break
  • Hygiene and how to keep objects clean

Personal Development

  • Learners will develop communication skills through expressing preference and opinions

Key words

Science, wood, metal, paper, textile, hard, soft, light, heavy, special, care, safe, bad, pests, clothes, good, sun, light, dark, dirty, clean

Suggested pre-visit knowledge and activities

Share/name a favourite toy or possession and show how you take care of it.

Suggested post-visit knowledge and activities

Name what material objects are made from and connect it to what was learned in the session, eg. This book is made from paper. Remember, we saw that light can damage paper by making the colours on it fade, so maybe we should lower the blind to reduce the amount of light in the room.