On Wednesday 8^th October 2008, twenty members from Science Club and East Club visited the Tower of London. The trip was open to members of the above clubs, which take place on Monday and Tuesday, from years seven to nine.

 

The group met at Watford Junction at 8:45am. Once everyone was together, they took the over ground train to Euston Station and then walked to Euston Square, underground station. They then caught the Circle Line to Tower Hill and walked to the Tower.

 

Once the group reached the Tower of London they were greeted by their guides for the day. They were taken underground to the armouries where lessons and experiments are held for school children. Here, the group left their bags outside and went into the classroom. First, they learnt about the different alloys and why the royal armouries are so involved in science. This was a question and answer session that allowed everyone to get involved, which enabled the whole group to understand more about metals. One of the students also got to the chance to try on a real helmet. He described the helmet as, ^‘Very heavy, I couldn’t see much and it was very hot.

 

Then the students did some of there own investigations in smaller groups. Each small group had two bags that contained a type of armour. Some of the armour was modern, others of it were replicas of ancient body armour and some of the objects were real armour. Everyone had to wear gloves to make sure none of the oils from their hands got onto the objects. After the groups had individually looked at the objects, the party regrouped to compare the objects and found out how body and head armour has improved over time. It was also found that now our body armour is stronger, more protective, and easier to move in than ever before.

 

Next the party split again into larger groups of six and did a range of experiments relating to body armour and how it can be improved. These included learning and experimenting with sheer thickening fluid and shape memory alloys. Once the experiments had finished the party regrouped and discussed what they had found out. This was greeted with much enthusiasm from the groups who were eager to contribute about the experiments and how the different experiments could be linked with protection. The party then went for lunch, which was provided by the armouries, outside in the bright sunshine.

 

After lunch everyone went to watch the crossbow and longbow shooting. They were testing whether the Kevlar, a stab proof vest that police wear, against metal armour, which nights would have worn, to see which one was the most protective. Of course the Kevlar won as because of modern technology we have more malleable materials at our disposal than people would have had a thousand years ago.

 

Finally the group took some pictures of the grounds and then went into the Tower gift shop before going home. However, because of the shortage of time the group didn’t get to have a long look around the tower as they would have like. The party took the underground and then the over ground train back to Watford station where the pupil’s parents collected them at 3pm.
    

The entire group said that they loved the trip and they would happily go on another EAST and Science Club trip if it was organised. Many said they enjoyed the experiments the most as it gave them a chance to try out new equipment that may perhaps not be wholly available in the classroom. Others of the group also liked the archery demonstration, as quite a few had never seen it before. Also guessing whether the Kevlar would be more protective or the armour gave everyone a chance to test their new knowledge of body armour that they had learnt before lunch. To conclude, the trip was very rewarding and everyone learnt much as well as having fun. Everyone thanked Dr Lota, Miss Wilson and Mrs Dewar for a wonderful and educational day out!