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Science & Technology

The Island teems with opportunities to observe and visit the application and development of science and technology. These notes can only give a taster of those opportunities...

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At East and West Cowes marine industries dominate. Here, amongst others, the J. Samuel White Yard built warships, Uffa Fox designed his racing yachts and Saunders Roe developed seaplanes, weapons of war and later, the hovercraft. Today their successors offer specialised expertise that is in demand world--wide. GKN Westland manufactures high-tech lightweight structures for aircraft; AMS specialise in the development of radar and solar equipment; at Souters Alloys, carbon fibre and GRP are combined in the lifeboats of the R.N.L.I

Elsewhere on the Island science and technology can be experienced first hand. At Yarmouth, a new swing bridge can be studied by those interested in mechanics or engineering; the docking and turnaround of the ferries there (as at East Cowes and Fishbourne) also offer a myriad of opportunities.

Alum Bay is likely to be visited for its remarkable multicoloured sands. But it also provides exciting and numerous examples of science and technological development. The chair lift is a good example of a lifting mechanism /system that uses pulleys and gears. For the application of science visit the Alum Bay Glass Factory . Here you can watch the skills of the glass blower as the chemical reactions change minerals into glass by heat. At Alum Bay, Marconi conducted scientific experiments on radio waves between ship and shore and here too a rocket test site was established for testing motors of the 'Blue Streak' and 'Black Arrow' rockets developed at Saunders Roe.

For an insight into the world of microbiology visit the filter beds at Southern Water's wastewater treatment centre at Fairlee. Here is a fascinating insight into a world that few of us know anything about yet upon which all of us depend. Nature has no equal when it comes to breaking down matter and rendering it harmless!

Between Newport and Wootton is Butterfly and Fountain World. Here you can see and walk among butterflies from all over the world as well as many unusual moths. There are also many different types of insect on display.
Fountain World offers a unique chance to see various freshwater fish and Koi carp displayed in crystal clear water.

Windmills and Water Mills

Calbourne Mill is a working water mill where grain is still ground and used in baking. Here the entire mill can be explored and the workings (Cogs, gears and levers) seen at first hand. The well preserved mill pond contains a variety of fish.

The mill has a good display of milling and farm tools covering a large span of development. Several huge mill stones can be seen.

The National Trust Windmill at Bembridge shows the earliest application of wind power to shorten man's working day. In its day the windmill was a technological break through similar to the technology of Concorde today. Much modern equipment is based on the knowledge and experience gained from the development of the windmill.

The Medina Valley Centre offers the opportunity for pupils to explore the science behind sailing, ranging from yacht design, sail making, (including type of material and textile), rope and hoist, pulleys, blocks and tackle. Also at the centre is the facility to spend time pond dipping and identifying the various animals that are caught.

The Royal National Lifeboat Institute maintenance depot is located on the River Medina at East Cowes. Here, essential repairs, aintenance and development of the R.N.L.I. equipment is carried out. The depot welcomes visits and gives an informative and educational presentation concerning the science and technology used in lifeboats, high-speed rescue craft and communication systems.

Situated at the southern tip of the Island is St. Catherine's Lighthouse, well worth visiting not only for the spectacular views but for its rewarding educational potential for here science is combined with technology to keep the Channel sea-lanes safe.

Structures

The Island has many interesting and unique structures. They range from the recently constructed water management, flood control system and bridge built across the mouth of the Yar at Bembridge, to Ryde Pier, a Victorian construction over half a mile long. At the time of its building, it incorporated the latest materials and techniques.

Fort Victoria is set in 50 acres of park land. Here is a visible example of Victorian fortification. Within the remains of the forts buildings there is a wealth of scientific and technological information.

The Island is constantly under attack from the sea. Many resources are used to halt the advance. Walk the sea defences at Ventnor and Bonchurch. Here you will discover many different designs and technological innovations.