Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) Discovery Days

Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths programmes for Primary Pupils

The opening of No.1 Smithery has brought - through our unique partnership with the National Maritime Museum and the Imperial War Museum - internationally significant maritime collections to The Historic Dockyard Chatham. These collections offer the perfect stimulus for a wide range of innovative, hands-on Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths programmes.

Using some breathtaking artefacts and a specially designed testing tank for practical experiments, our new STEM Discovery Days are not to be missed!

'Without a Trace' (Yr3 - 6)

This hands-on programme - based on the intriguing loss of a famous 18th century warship - gives pupils the chance to study a range of navigational instruments and make their own magnetic compasses and sun clocks. There is also the opportunity to construct a ship-of-the line and test it in stormy weather conditions in our specially constructed test tank.

With endless opportunities for follow-up work, including raft building, writing ghost stories or researching the recent find of the 18th century ship wreck featured in the session, this programme is guaranteed to captivate and engage your pupils.

18th Century Nocturnal
NMM Greenwich, London

'Silent Runnings - The Sneaky Science of Submarines' (Yr3 - 6)

The history of The Historic Dockyard Chatham's spy submarine HMS Ocelot is shrouded in mystery. This fascinating, interactive programme imagines a secret mission for Ocelot at the height of the Cold War. Using a series of specially designed science investigations, the pupils are encouraged to predict what happens to the vessel.

From building and testing model torpedoes in the testing tank, to making signal lamps for communicating to a secret agent, there are plenty of practical tasks to fire the imagination and deepen understanding of the science contained in the tale.

'Ready, Aim & Fire' (Yr3 - 6)

This action packed day will help your pupils to understand the vital forces acting upon missiles. Beginning with an interactive session on how rockets work, the day will provide your pupils with all the sciecne knowledge they need to construct and fire their own rocket missiles.

Including a trip to the view the missiles on board HMS Cavalier and the formidable cannons of HMS Gannet, this lively experience will ensure your visit goes with a bang!