(Programme Sample 3)

Water was of vital importance for miners. It was the essential ingredient for every method of gold extraction and many ingenious devices were used to ensure the supply to the goldfields.

This is a very practical day with a strong technology base and is also a great deal of fun.

• Water in action:  A tour of the Shantytown site, during which, students learn how to pan for gold, use a gold cradle and see our sluice gun in action. Includes a steam train ride.
• Water Races:  Having looked at the construction of water raaces, now is the time to build some. Newspaper and marbles take the place of wood and water. Which team can make the longest water race within a given time?
• Water Wheels: Used to drive machinery to crush gold bearing rock or pump water from mine shafts, the water wheel was a common sight on the goldfields. We make simple water wheels and then test them, making modifications to designs to improve efficiency.
• Crossing the Stream:  Stepping stones were a common way of crossing streams whilst keeping feet dry. However, it isn't as simple as you think as stones affect the water flow. The task is to build stepping stones across our stream then get the group leader across and back with dry feet. Oh, and the group leader is blindfolded!
• Dam!  In order to ensure a good flow of water in the sluice runs, many dams were constructed. Students have to build their own dam across the stream but deciding on the right spot can be tricky and how will it affect those further downstream?

Getting wet is part of the fun of the day but students will need a change of footwear.