Year 2 pupils enjoyed an exciting and educational trip to the Brighton Toy and Model Museum, where they discovered how toys have changed over time and explored the materials, mechanisms and stories behind them.听
The day began with a hands-on investigation of Meccano. The children experimented with the metal pieces to construct simple shapes and structures, learning how the parts fit together and thinking like real engineers as they designed and built their models.听
Next, pupils compared toys from the past with modern favourites. By examining the materials and properties of each toy, they discussed why certain materials were used historically and how advances in technology have transformed the way toys look and work today.听
As 鈥楾ime Travelling Toy Testers鈥�, Year 2 journeyed through the museum鈥檚 toy timeline. They were fascinated to learn about the world鈥檚 earliest known toy 鈥� the spinning top 鈥� which dates back around 6,000 years. The children loved seeing how toys have evolved across different historical periods.听
One of the highlights of the morning was a lively demonstration of wind-up mechanisms. Pupils watched clockwork and friction toys in action before having the chance to play with and race toy cars themselves, prompting plenty of excitement, cheering and laughter.听
In the afternoon, the focus turned to storytelling. After listening carefully to a story about toys, the children used inspiration from the museum exhibits to plan their own imaginative tales. They created new characters, settings and adventures based on what they had seen during the day.听
