Little STEAMers: Marvellous Machines
What makes a machine work? Come and find out in Marvellous Machines, a playful introduction to the exciting world of engineering for our youngest visitors.
Inspired by the simple machines that help people move, lift and launch things aboard Royal Navy ships, children can test their ideas, discover what works and have lots of fun along the way.
Starting with a mystery bag of intriguing objects, children will discover that machines don’t always need to be complicated to be useful. Through playful investigations, stories, songs and hands-on challenges, they’ll explore three simple machines: ramps, pulleys and levers.
We’ll experiment with ramps of different heights and slopes to see how objects move, discover how pulleys can help us lift and move things, and build our own lever catapults to see how a push in one place can make something move somewhere else. Children will be encouraged to predict what might happen, try out their ideas and make simple changes to see if they can make their machines work even better.
Along the way, we’ll discover how simple machines can help people do big jobs, including moving and lifting equipment aboard Royal Navy ships. Children can explore forces, movement and cause and effect while developing their early problem-solving, communication and fine motor skills.
Most importantly, Marvellous Machines shows that engineering starts with being curious, having a go and asking, “What happens if…?”
This session is designed for children aged 3–5 and must be accompanied by an adult.
Session 1: 10.45am – 11.45am
Session 2: 12.30pm – 1.30pm
Location: Royal Marine Experience (Mezzanine)
This event is included in general admission, but spaces are limited to 12 children per session, so please book in advance using the link below:
This event is made possible with support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
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