Education at Darwin House
Schools
It is a special experience to learn in the eighteenth century home of Erasmus Darwin, a creative thinker and a man of many interests, who – along with his Lunar Society friends – was at the forefront of learning in the eighteenth century.
We have an exciting education programme at Erasmus Darwin House, covering a variety of curriculum areas and Key Stages. We aim to make learning relevant, stimulating and enjoyable.
Your students can learn outside the classroom through participating in our school activities programme, led by Erasmus Darwin House facilitators.
You can bring your pupils on a self-guided tour, supported, if you wish, by resources from our artefact handling boxes.
We are continually developing our education programme and we also have a programme of one-off activities, which are publicised on our website and available via email.
All activities link in with the National Curriculum.
To learn more about the programs we offer, as well as costs and facilities please take a look at our General Information page.
Further details are available on this website. If you would like to know more, or have comments or suggestions to make about education, please email enquiries@erasmusdarwin.org
Information for Teachers
Papers that can be downloaded to assist your curriculum development:
Loans Boxes
Erasmus Darwin House has loans boxes available for schools to borrow. These contain a range of original artefacts which children may handle, under supervision. The boxes contain background information about the artefacts and also some ideas for classroom activities.
The loans boxes are on the themes of: Medical History; Life at Home in the 18th Century. New loans boxes (Fossils; What did people wear in the 18th Century) are in the process of development.
The Medical History Box contains:
Antiseptic spray equipment Apothecary’s spoon Cupping glass Foot exerciser Phlebotomy lancet Stethoscope Suppository mouldThe Life at Home in the 18th Century Box contains:
Box iron Mousetrap Nutmeg grater Sugar nipper Vegetable press Washing batSpecial Workshops
We can also recommend the workshops of Sarah Langford who is a part time teacher and frequent traveller to the Galapagos Islands. Her activities are based on colonisation, adaptation and natural selection. Please see the attached information sheet for more information and contact details.
Special Educational Needs
We have recently developed a selection of activities for children with special needs which revolve around the themes of the House. The four activities have been created by a special needs teacher at local school, Saxon Hill, and can be adapted to your needs. Topics covered are:
Here is a sample of the ‘herbalist’ activity.
Useful Links
Regional Science Learning Centres
Staffordshire Museums Activities & Resources for Teachers - SMART
Comments
“We had a super day! Thanks so much.” Chadsmead School, Lichfield
“Extremely well organised.” Greysbrooke School, Shenstone
“The workshop was of excellent quality.” Solihull Home Education Group
“It was an excellent event and the children are still talking about it and how much they enjoyed it. They said Darwin looked a lot thinner than in all his pictures!” Saxon Hill School, Lichfield
“The pupils thoroughly enjoyed the visit. I valued the varied learning styles which were addressed.” Greysbrooke School, Shenstone
“It was lively and noisy but very enjoyable and the children thought so too. I look forward to taking part in the future again.” Erasmus Darwin House Education Volunteer
“Pupils and staff had a lovely day. It was wonderful to watch some of the children, who don’t always succeed in a normal class situation, really shining out and answering questions. All pupils had far more time to talk, share ideas, and work as groups than a normal school day would allow them to do. Thank you.” Chadsmead School, Lichfield
“Our visits are always extremely well organised and the staff are always helpful, pleasant and informative. We really enjoy our visits here.” Solihull Home Education Group
“Staff went out of their way to make it easy and comfortable for us with parking and all aspects of care and safety. Risk assessments were very good.” Saxon Hill Special School
