Transformers is a learningmodule which involves KS3 students in thinking about science, technology and local history.

Its main purpose is to help students identify the events and innovations that cause communities to change.

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CUMBRIA

County of Cumbria created in 1974.

Formed by combining areas of Cumberland, Westmorland and Sedburgh.

Cumbria is dominated by mountains and lakes such as Windermere and Ullswater.

Known as the Lake District.

Popular with tourists, boat owners, climbers and walkers.

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Hadrian's Wall

Around 122 AD the Roman Emperor Hadrian ordered the wall to be built, to keep out troublemakers.

It is 117km long, stretching from Wallsend on the river Tyne, through Cumbria, to Bowness-on-Solway.

It may be a ruin now, but how many things built today would last 2000 years and keep doing their job?

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Sheep Farming

It has been an important part of Cumbria's economy throughout its history.

Huge numbers reared on hill farms and moorlands.

Cumbria has a harsh climate with low temperatures and high rainfall.

The soil is thin, with bleak steep slopes.

It is not suitable for most types of farming.

If it were not for the sheep grazing, the land would return to being primarily oak woodland. 4 of 10

Mining

Cumbria is rich with minerals.

Evidence of mining goes back hundreds of years.

Haig Pit, Cumbria's last deep coal mine, was closed in 1986.

Coal mining dates back to the 13th Century when monks from St. Bees Abbey opened mines at Arrowthwaite.

Some slate mining still takes place today.

Locally mined graphite led to the development of the pencil industry.

Gypsum, iron ore, granite and limestone have all been mined in Cumbria, which led to the growth of many towns, for example Shap.

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Leisure and Tourism

The harbour beacon at Whitehaven is one of the main tourist attractions.

It celebrates Whitehaven's industrial and trading heritage.

It is part of the regeneration of the area for maritime festivals and visits from tall ships from around the world.

Leisure and Tourism is one of Cumbria's most important industries.

Many people are employed in the hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions, especially during summer.

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The Lake District

It is the largest of the UK's National Parks.

It contains 16 lakes and the only two mountains in England.

England's highest mountain, Scafell Pike, is 978 metres high.

The Lake District has 2,500km of rights of way, including famous routes for walkers such as the Pennine Way and the Coast to Coast Walk.

Windermere is the largest natural lake in England.

It is 17km long, 2km wide and 67m at its deepest part.

Windermere has been popular with holiday makers since 1847 when the railway linked it to the town of Kendal. 7 of 10

Sellafield

In 1956 Queen Elizabeth II opened Calder Hall, the world's first full-scale nuclear power station at what later became the Sellafield site.

Nuclear power stations began producing electricity for domestic and industrial use.

Calder Hall was taken out of service in 2003 and decommissioning (dismantling) work started.

At its peak, nuclear power in the UK provided 20% of our electricity.

Sellafield has developed ways of recycling nuclear fuel and managing nuclear waste. It is now a world leader in decommissioning nuclear power stations and new technology.

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National Nuclear Laboratory

Safety is the priority of the decommissioning work now being undertaken at Sellafield.

Scientists working at the National Nuclear Laboratory have developed an instrument to help engineers and demolition workers.

It is called a Radball (or Radiation Ball).

When a Radball is new, it is transparent. As it absorbs radiation it gets darker.

This indicates where harmful radiation hazards are present, and how severe they are.

This knowledge is essential in ensuring safe operations. 9 of 10

Britain's Energy Coast

This is a plan for Cumbria to become a centre of excellence for nuclear and other energy technologies.

It is a regional regeneration plan to boost the local economy and create new jobs in energy industries.

Cumbria could have a major role in helping the country to meet its future energy needs and the challenges of climate change.

The plan also includes investment in research and development, transport, education and training, health services and local facilities.

Several partners are working together on the plan, including the nuclear industry, regional government, universities and business organisations in Cumbria.

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