‘Historic Scotland Medieval Construction’ Show Teacher Guide
This information is designed to help teachers like you when you bring your class to Satrosphere
Science Centre or we visit your school. Please let us know of anything else that you think we should
include. Do contact us if you have any questions.
Suitable for
Duration
Number of Pupils
Cost
First and Second level
Full 75 minutes or
Condensed 45 minutes
30
£3.75 per pupil
What to Expect
Pupils will learn how people built monumental medieval structures, with the aid of forces and physics,
and using fulcrums, pulleys and levers, in this fun and interactive show. This show traces the journey
of a block of stone, from a medieval quarry to its inclusion as a keystone inside a lofty arch, within the
structure of a medieval building.
What is Covered
 Energy (such as muscle power (human and animal), wind/water power) to move heavy
objects.
 Gravity, and using a lever and fulcrum to lift heavy objects.
 Friction, and using rollers to move heavy objects.
 How medieval construction workers lifted heavy blocks to the top of buildings using ramps.
 The use of setsquares and plumb lines to check if buildings were straight horizontally and
vertically.
 Tower Building Challenge (75 minute version only)
 The use of pulleys to lift heavy stones
 How arches are constructed and why they are so strong
Curriculum for Excellence links
We have identified the Curriculum for Excellence experiences and outcomes to which this workshop
can most significantly contribute.
First
Second
Third
Technology
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Social Studies
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Sciences
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First
SOC 1-04a
I can compare aspects of people’s daily lives in the past with my own using historical evidence or the
experience of recreating an historical setting
SCN 1-07a
By investigating forces on toys and other objects, I can predict the effect on the shape or motion of
objects.
Second
SOC2-04a
I can compare and contrast a society in the past with my own and contribute to a discussion of the
similarities and differences
SCN 2-07a
By investigating how friction, including air resistance, affects motion, I can suggest ways to improve
efficiency in moving objects.
First/ Second
TCH 1-13a/ TCH 2-13a
During practical activities and design challenges, I can estimate and measure using appropriate
instruments and units. (75 minute version only)
TCH1-14a / TCH 2-14a
Through discovery and imagination, I can develop and use problem solving strategies to construct
models. (75 minute version only)
Third
SCN 3-07a
By contributing to investigations of energy loss due to friction, I can suggest ways of improving the
efficiency of moving systems.
Outreach
If you would like more information about having this workshop as outreach or would like a quote for
outreach to your school please contact a member of the STEM Learning Team on 01224 640 340.