On Monday the 6thof May there was a buzz of excitement as G3, G4, G5 and G6 were going to MOTAT- the Museum of Transport and Technology. MOTAT has been operating for 60 years. By 9am, name badges skilfully attached we boarded the bus and settled in for the long ride to Western Springs. By around Pakuranga we were getting the, “Are we almost there yet?” questions.
Once at Motat, we were merrily on our way. A huge attraction was the phones. The pupils had never seen such cumbersome contraptions and spent a long time exploring the switchboards and using the old dial up system to talk to each other over the airwaves. Another real favourite was the Hamster Wheel, in which, like real hamsters pupils had to race around the wheel in pairs. Many also spent time in the old schoolhouse experiencing schooling all those years ago and no doubt felt rather grateful for our modern classrooms and equipment. The steam train also proved to be a huge attraction with pupils impressed by the sheer power of it. In one of the rooms there was a range of old classic cars. One car was available for entry and many pupils took turns sitting at the wheel pretending to drive.
Halfway through the day classes switched locations. An old tram transported us from one location to the next. We waited with great anticipation on the tracks under the old train station shelter and then climbed onto the old trams used back then. The Aviation Centre was very impressive. The big favourite was the helicopter, in which the children could get into and have a turn with the controls. The sheer size of some of the planes in the Aviation Centre impressed pupils.
The education centre was very informative. Pupils were able to explore using ink pens and look and use a full range of equipment no longer in use today.
The bus ride home was very quiet with several pupils falling asleep after such a busy and interactive day. The trip was hugely enjoyed by all!
