As part of their learning in Social Science this term, our Girls’ School senior girls have been focusing on inventions and innovations. Our visit to the Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT) this week, New Zealand’s largest transport, technology and social history museum, provided our girls a great deal to learn by looking at the work of others to gain an understanding of their journey.
The day began with morning tea at the Western Springs playground, before touring the MOTAT exhibits. MOTAT with its treasure trove of items from bygone eras with quills and ink, typewriters, old phones (and phone booths), film cameras and computers were the perfect learning platform and catalysts for new ideas. Seeing our girls using their mobile phones to take photos and record evidence for their inquiry is in itself a fine example of the evolution of inventions – phones and cameras which were once two distinct items, taking a multitude of sizes and use over the years, are now combined as a mobile phone our girls are familiar with, yet they continue to evolve.
The girls had the opportunity to immerse themselves in digital and hands-on activities that helped bring learning to life. The ‘Simple Machines’ exhibit introduced the girls to the wedge, screw, wheel and axle, inclined plane, pulley and lever: the six simple machines that are the building blocks of increasingly complex machines that now keep the world moving. ‘Get Smart’ showcased the evolution of household technology, looking at how Kiwi innovators and entrepreneurs have contributed to the rapidly evolving digital age.
Our girls were particularly inspired by the ‘The Innovators’ exhibit highlighting stories of ordinary Kiwis who has achieved extraordinary feats and the science that made it possible, from Antarctic adventures to harakeke surfboards, the humble cup of tea to medical milestones.
Bernadette Haerewa, Senior School Dean and Year 7 Teachers said, “Through this trip, our students discovered that technology has saved, changed, and influenced lives for the better. We hope the girls are inspired to look at the world around them in new ways as they reflect on some of these inventions and its evolution.”
Our trip to MOTAT was extra special because we had 14 parents joined us, something we haven’t been able to do in a while. We thank them for their time and support.
