Hands on learning and discovery at the Pump House Steam Museum

School tours are designed to work within and compliment the curriculum needs for science and technology and offer the opportunity for exploration outside of the classroom. Book your tour at the Pump House Steam Museum for interactive programming that focuses on strands within the grade 2-8 science and technology curriculum.

NEW!

Simple Machines

Discover the many ways in which simple machines make work easier!  Explore the fascinating world of the inclined plane, screw, wedge, lever, pulleys, and wheel and axle.  Through a variety of demonstrations and hands-on learning, students will understand the differences between the machines and define their basic function.  Students will also create their own machine to take home.

Cirriculum Links:

Grade 2 Understanding Structures and Mechanisms - Movement

1. Assess the impact on society and the environment of simple machines and mechanisms;

2. Investigate mechanisms that include simple machines and enable movement;

3. Demonstrate an understanding of movement and ways in which simple machines help to move objects.

NEW!

Pulleys and Gears

Experience the exciting world of simple and complex machines!  Through interactive experiments, students will learn about machines and how they work.  Students will learn technical terms such as “gear train” and will be encouraged to answer questions concerning a number of different aspects about the functions of a pulley.  While exploring the museum and its collection, students will learn how pulleys and gears operate in everyday objects.

Cirriculum Links:

Grade 4 Understanding Structures and Mechanisms – Movement

1.  Evaluate the impact of pulleys and gears on society;

2. Investigate ways in which pulleys and gears modify the speed and direction of, and the force exerted on, moving objects;

3. Demonstrate an understanding of the basic principles and functions of pulley systems and gear systems

What’s the Matter with Water?

The properties of matter are explained through the medium of water.  Interactive examples are used to show the physical and chemical changes that occur in water when placed in different circumstances.  There will also be models that explain how water differentiates from other liquids, including how heat and cold affects different liquids.  Students will focus on how the properties of different materials relate to their use in the everyday world.

Cirriculum Links:

Grade 5 Understanding Matter and Energy- Properties of and Changes in Matter

1. Evaluate the social and environmental impacts of processes used to make everyday products;

2. Conduct investigations that explore the properties of matter and changes in matter

3. Demonstrate an understanding of the properties of matter, changes of state and physical and chemical change.

Under Pressure- Air and Water Forces of Movement

Explore how different forces play significant roles in the function of the everyday world.  Through this program students engage in hands-on demonstrations that show how air and water pressure can be used to move objects and power machines.  Looking at the operation of both life-sized and model engines in the Museum, students will observe the action and uses of these forces in real life.

Cirriculum Links:

Grade 3 Understanding Matter and Energy- Forces Causing Movement

1. Assess the impact of various forces on society and the environment;

2. Investigate devices that use forces to create controlled movement;

3. Demonstrate an understanding of how forces cause movement and changes in movement.

NEW!

Yesterday’s Knowledge for Today’s Technology

Learn about the importance of steam power in the Victorian era!  Discover the original steam driven water pumps at Kingston’s first water pumping station.  Students will explore the properties of fluids used in yester year’s technology.  Through scientific method, the students will experiment with the properties of different fluids and their utilization in today’s technology.

Cirriculum Links:

Grade 8 Understanding Matter and Energy- Fluids

1. Analyse how the properties of fluids are used in various technologies, and assess the impact of these technologies on society and the environment;

2. Investigate the properties of fluids;

3. Fluids are essential to life.