Virtual Learning sessions

We have adapted our most popular in-person learning sessions for a virtual classroom environment, helping you to continue to engage with the history and heritage of the bridge from the comfort of your own teaching space.

Within the 30 – 45 minute virtual session, your class will explore your chosen topic in detail with a member of the Bridge Education team, finishing with an opportunity to ask those all important bridge questions.

We are also offering our outreach programme for schools unable to visit. Please feel free to get in touch to discuss how we can support your topics this term.

150 Years of the Clifton Suspension Bridge

This talk will introduce the Clifton Suspension Bridge as an iconic landmark of Bristol. We will explain how the idea of the bridge first came about and the 33-year rollercoaster journey of the building and completion of the bridge. We will also talk about how suspension bridges work and how the team at the Clifton Suspension Bridge maintain the historic monument today.

KS1, KS2
History, Science
The Clifton Suspension Bridge, How bridges work, The Victorians, Brunel, Local History

Who was Brunel?

In this talk, we will meet Isambard Kingdom Brunel and explore his life and legacy. As one of the greatest engineers, we explore the key innovations of his career and discover how he altered travel forever through his bridges, ships, tunnels and railways. We will also take a look at the man himself, his character and his habits.

KS1, KS2
History
Brunel, Engineering, The Victorians, The Industrial Revolution, Local History

Types of bridges

Why are bridges different shapes and designs? In this session, we will look at bridges from across the world and explore structures, tension and strength in shapes. We will talk about the benefits and drawbacks of different designs and briefly discuss some of the key engineers responsible for the development of bridge building.

KS2
History, Science, Design and Technology
How bridges work, Brunel, Engineering