Inventors and their Inventions workshops
Famous inventors who changed the world!
Famous Inventors from History
Where can students learn about inventors and inventions on a UK school trip?
Inventions trips include science centres and museums, celebrating creativity and progress.
We can help you find a trip out or an in-school workshop that will bring inventions to life for your class.
Teach them about the local, British or international people who came up with these new ideas! From prehistory to the modern day, history is filled with innovators who had a good idea or solved a problem that changed life for the rest of us. Inventions like the printing press, the steam engine, or the computer.
The obvious place to start is with significant inventors like Alexander Bell, Nikola Tesla, Thomas Edison or Isambard Kingdom Brunel, people we all know. But there are plenty of less well remembered inventors who made incredibly valuable contributions - people like James Hargreaves, Margaret Hamilton and Stephanie Kwolek.
Inventors is a wonderful topic as it can bring together cross curricular links for subjects including science, history, design and technology, art and literacy.
As well as the inventors and their inventions, we can focus your class on what makes a good inventor, how inventions changed over time, how they made people's lives easier, and how these inventions changed history.
Workshops can extend the topic by challenging them to problem solve specific ideas, to design and evaluate a solution, to get them to channel their inner inventor! These workshops have cross curricular links to subjects like the Victorians and the Industrial Revolution
Exciting ways to teach the topic Inventors and Inventions
in-school workshop
Want to book Inventors and Inventions trips and workshops?
If you would like us to help you find a school trip or workshop to help your students learn about inventors, please use the form below.
Inventors and Inventions School Trips - Frequently Asked Questions
6 March 2026Why do inventors trips matter?
Taking students on trips to see gadgets and inventions in action is a fantastic way to inspire curiosity and creativity. These visits are like stories come to life, showing how innovation shapes our world, and they make STEM subjects much more engaging and fun.
Should I choose an inventors workshop or a museum?
It depends what you're after: workshops usually involve hands-on making activities that can cost between £150 and £400, giving students a chance to create and experiment. Museums, on the other hand, focus on the history of inventions and are great for inspiring ideas through exhibits and displays.
Are there free options for inventors' trips?
Yes. Many science museums, like the Science Museum in London, offer free galleries where students can explore inventions and scientific breakthroughs without any charge. It’s a fantastic way to access high-quality resources on a budget.
What are the top 10 school trips for exploring inventors and inventions?
Here’s a list that covers some of the best spots:
1. Science Museum, London - famous for its interactive exhibits and free access.
2. In-school inventor workshops - perfect for hands-on learning right at school.
3. National Railway Museum - explore the history of trains and transportation.
4. Ironbridge - a UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing the Industrial Revolution.
5. Jodrell Bank - discover the world of telescopes and space science.
6. Scottish inventors museums - learn about local innovations and inventors.
7. Welsh slate tools museum - explore the history of slate mining and tool-making.
8. Manchester Science and Industry Museum - home to the earliest cotton gin and industrial inventions.
9. Local labs and maker spaces - great for practical experimentation.
10. History festivals - events celebrating innovation and invention throughout the year.
Are there special options for SEND students?
Absolutely. Many museums include touch exhibits and have workshops that are adapted to meet different needs, ensuring everyone can participate and enjoy the experience of discovery and invention.
What’s the budget for organising inventors trips?
A trip can be quite affordable: free museum visits with a bus usually cost between £4 and £12 per child. Entry to specialist centres ranges from £6 to £15, while workshops might be between £150 and £400. Residential trips can cost around £140 to £280 per child, and there are sometimes grants available to help with funding.
What do the workshops usually involve?
Inventor workshops often include activities like building simple machines, coding, or creating prototypes. They’re designed to encourage practical problem-solving and inspire future inventors by giving students a taste of real-world engineering and design.
How do museum trips inspire students?
Seeing real inventions and the stories behind them sparks curiosity and shows students that innovation is possible for everyone. Exhibits often tell the stories of inventors who changed the world, making history and science come alive in a memorable way.
Can trips combine fun and learning?
Definitely! Many of these places offer interactive exhibits, demonstrations, and hands-on activities that make learning about inventions exciting. It’s a great way for students to learn STEM concepts while having fun exploring the world of innovation.
Are there funding options or grants available?
Yes, some schools can access innovation grants or local funding to help cover costs. Many museums and organizations also offer discounted or free programs for schools, especially those with limited budgets, making it easier to plan inspiring trips for all students.
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