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

STEM programmes for Secondary groups

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!

'Deadly Force' (Yr7 - 9) This whole day visit helps pupils to understand how forces have shaped the maritime world. The first activity encourages team working and problem solving skills. Using a range of carefully rationed materials, pupils work in groups to design, make and test a model boat on our unique testing tank. The second practical workshop challenges students to successfully fire a miniature cannon, using only a given selection of cooking ingredients! The cannons will be tested for accuracy and range, with each team required to create a gun-drill to reload them quickly and safely. With these fun, hands-on activities to enjoy, your pupils will hardly realise they are learning at all.
'Now You See It...' (Yr7 - 10) This exciting programme uses a combination of pre-visit, on-site and post-visit work to help students understand the science of invisibility. After a visit to our new display of camouflage design model boats and paintings, students will be challenged to create their own stealth vessel that can evade detection by sight, sound or heat when trialled on our testing tank. This unique programme is a must for all teachers seeking to make Physics more accessible for their students.
'Weapons of the Cold War' (Yr9 - 10) Visiting pupils start the day with an exciting ballistics session, where they will find out about basic weapon technology. This is followed by an informative presentation by our ex-MOD weapons officer about the Royal Navy's weapon systems during the Cold War period. Guided tours of our fascinating spy submarine HMS Ocelot and the destroyer HMS Cavalier help to support the weapons presentations and really bring the subject to life.