Explainer Series New Video available: How Radar Works

Have you ever really thought about how an everyday, household item, like your TV or radio actually works?  

If like many of us, you haven’t given it much thought - or you have......but put it down to a bit of electromagnetic wizardry - then our very own Explainer series of videos offers a wonderful insight into the workings of technology we use, day in, day out.   

Cambridge Museum of Technology volunteers, with the technical know-how and years in the industry have been busy sharing their expertise in these wonderful Explainer videos.  With a focus on the Pye brand – an iconic Cambridge company, that many are still familiar with today, it is with thanks to the Pye History Trust that we have these films.  

Aimed at an audience of GCSE level students and above, these videos are a useful tool to support understanding in physics at Key Stage 4 and 5, or for those adult enthusiasts with a passion for understanding our technological heritage.  

Follow the link here to the Cambridge Museum of Technology YouTube channel to watch the latest video “How Radar Works, Principles and Applications”.  Please give it a like and follow! 

ISA Steam Competition! Cambridge Museum of Technology Judges!

ISA STEAM Competition – Judgement Day. 

Report by Andy Riches, Volunteer at Cambridge Museum of Technology. 

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Back in October 2023, the Cambridge Museum of Technology received a request from the National Arts Officer for the Independent Schools Association (ISA). Their members are Headteachers, and their aim is to offer them advice and support in all areas, and opportunities for their pupils. 

As part of their service, they offer a wide range of opportunities for pupils in the Performing Arts and Visual Arts within the 646 independent schools currently in membership with the ISA. 

Their arts programme encourages students to express their individuality and showcase their artistic talents, as well as build their confidence.  

They were looking for someone to adjudicate their STEAM competition and were wondering if a Heritage Steam charity would be interested in helping out. Our thinking was to try and reach out to another sector in the education field. 

 The STEAM Competition challenges KS2-KS3 students to create an invention based on a brief. Students are asked to submit a summary, and a creative presentation (PowerPoint, photos, drawing etc.) of their idea. The entries are then judged on creativity and innovation. 

Three entries per age group were short-listed as finalists for Judgement Day on March 8th 2024, and the young people who presented their work were truly amazing. It was enjoyable to sit through such high-quality presentations from the young people. 

Well done to everyone who took part in the competition this year, to the finalists and congratulations to the winners you can see the full list of results below: 

ISA STEAM Competition 2024 - RESULTS 

Click on the links below to see the winning projects: 

Year 3/4 
Design and build a device that can propel a soft toy a long distance. 
Kensington Wade School, Helen M, Christmas Catapult. 

Year 5/6 
Find a way to drop a raw egg from a height of at least 2m without it breaking. 
Crosfields School, Jamie C, Shell Defender. 

Year 7/9 
Design a device that would help someone with a disability to move around more easily. 
St Catherine’s School, Jocelyn F, Francesca P, Mila M, Gemma B and Armance Y, The Mobility Assist CP.