The Science Museum Library and Archives at Wroughton near Swindon

1. The Science Museum Library and Archivesat Wroughton near Swindon How we can support schools E-mail: SMLwroughton@sciencemuseum.org.uk

2. A national library for the history and development ofscience and technology

3. Some Examples of Topics: • It is more than 100 years since the first transatlantic cable was laid. At the Science Museum Library we have the plans of the ship that fed the cable – Brunel’s “Great Eastern” • Last year was 200 years since Darwin’s birth, the Library has several of his works, including a first edition of “The Origin of Species” (1859) • There are many works on alchemy and early chemistry showing the change from a belief in magic and superstition to experimental science • The highly influential 1842 report of the Children’s Employment Commission on Mines showing the terrible conditions in which young children worked

4. Some Further Examples of Topics: • There are thousands of scientists’ and engineers’ biographies that can be retrieved within 24 hours from our London library • There are works which investigate scientific ethics and fraud • Lady Hamilton's husband (not her lover!) was a famous diplomat and collector. The Library holds his spectacular coloured work on volcanoes • There are original early Patents which may be interesting for D&T students • Over 180 years ago George Pocock theorised on drawing power from the troposphere and now the kite farm energy business is proving to be a multi-million dollar one. The Science Museum Library has Pocock’s original book

5. Booking a Visit • We would ask that all visits include a teacher pre-visit if possible as we are not a conventional library with many books on display. We would have to know which items from the collections are required to be available on the day of the student visit • Visits are better when booked well in advance! • Visits are free, although transport costs would need to be covered • Half day visits are possible meaning relatively little supply cover is necessary and fewer lessons are disrupted • Facilities include toilets, lockers, vending machine, water machine

6. Why Book a Visit? • This amazing library is on your doorstep, As well as STEM, it would be a fantastic opportunity to reward your KS4 top set students to a coursework enhancing visit or bring a small group of students who would benefit hugely from a visual presentation on a topic that is difficult to grasp. • Or maybe you’d like to reward a group and simply bring them to the Library’s clean peaceful reading room so they can experience working in a different environment. • Ideal for Gifted and Talented Groups to deepen and extend their learning

7. Why Book?(cont.) • We could provide students with materials and stimulating sources to support their Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) • We can offer a course on how to use sources and develop reference/ research skills, particularly at the start of Post-16 courses • We offer a course on the use of Archives in supporting research • We have extensive primary sources to support the “Medicine Through Time” GCSE History Course

8. …and for Teachers • We offer CPD days for teachers on how to make the best use of Libraries and Archives in supporting their teaching • There is a standing invitation to all who wish to visit us and have a tour of our collections. You won’t be disappointed! • Staff from over 50 secondary schools have already visited in the last 3 years

9. The most recent example… This was a joint project between 4 countries UK, France, Finland and Poland. The theme was “Astronomy – A European Adventure” “I have appreciated the fact that you have put all these materials together for us …it really fits in with the title of our object. Thanks for all that” Andre Auckbur, Teacher, Epernay, France

10. For further information • Please contact me to discuss your school’s needs or to make an appointment to consult our collections to search for the information. David Dawson Education Liaison Science Museum Library Swindon Science Museum at Wroughton Hackpen Lane Wroughton SN4 9NS Delivery address - SN4 9LT Tel: 01793 846227 Fax: 01793 815413 Email: david.dawson@sciencemuseum.org.uk

11. IMAX 3D Cinema, theme days & costumed characters Space Station 3D Yuri Gagarin Visiting the Museum

12. A wide range of object-rich and hands-on galleries Making the Modern World, ground floor Launchpad, third floor Visiting the Museum

13. Science shows, workshops & storytelling It Takes Guts Show (digestion) Enormous Turnip storytelling (forces) Visiting the Museum

14. What’s on for teachers • CPD for your school staff • Training with teachers across the UK sciencemuseum.org.uk/educators

15. sciencemuseum.org.uk/educators • Classroom resources • Wide range of free resources, including practical activities, demos, films and online games • Developed with teachers • Tested in schools with students

16. We visit you • Our Outreach team can bring our shows and workshops to your school sciencemuseum.org.uk/educators

17. www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/educators Free resources and educational games, help planning your visit, courses and special teachers events and more Call our dedicated Learning Support team on 0207 942 4777 For answers to all questions about tailoring and booking your visit Join our Advise Us Teachers listTo help consult on new resources in development Sign up today for free e-news and educators termly postcard Keep in touch