Museum of Science and Industry

Bring your class to meet Engineer Eric and Forgetful Fireman Fred and learn how a steam locomotive works.

Eric and Fred work for Pender Railways and have to get Pender ready. Pender is a 'tank' engine built in Manchester in 1873. One side of the locomotive has been sectioned to reveal the workings inside. Although Eric explains carefully, Forgetful Fred finds it hard to remember what he has been told and may need help from the children to remember how to prepare the locomotive.

Engineer Eric's Difficult Day:

• is a presentation in the Power Hall
• performed by members of our presenters team
• bookable at 11.00am or 1.30pm every weekday during school term time
• lasts for approximately 20 to 25 minutes
• is suitable for Foundation Stage, Key Stage 1, Y3 and Y4
• can be booked for classes of up to 36 children
• costs £45.00 per class
• includes a Teachers' Pack with more information and resources

 

The Story of Pender

The Story of Pender is an illustrated 32-page book featuring Engineer Eric and Forgetful Fireman Fred. The book can be downloaded as a PowerPoint version or in PDF format (Part1 and Part 2).

 You could use the book:

• on an interactive whiteboard for whole-class work;
• on a small-screen to be read by children individually or in small groups;
• on paper by printing out copies of the file.

The Story of Pender could be used to introduce the characters and plot to the children prior to the Power Hall Presentation. Alternatively, you may prefer to use it as a resource for follow up activities after the visit.

The story is in two halves and so could provide work for two sessions, reading pages 1 to 16 in one session and pages 16 to 32 in the second.

The PowerPoint version of the book contains animations from page 16 onwards. (With PowerPoint in slide show mode click, use space bar or forward arrow to reveal the answer to the questions in the text.)