Making Miner’s Lamps in Year 1

This week in History Year 1 have enjoyed learning about coal mining in the North East and the invention of the Miner’s Safety Lamp by George Stephenson.

Firstly, we investigated sources and considered what it would be like to be in a mine underground.

Next, we discussed the question: How could miner’s see underground? Finding out that miners couldn’t use torches and battery powered lights as they hadn’t been invented then, we considered the safety of using a candle. We discovered that the flame needed to be covered but with an air hole and explained why the lamp had a handle.

Then, we looked at an example of an old lamp, describing what we could see and feel.

Finally, we made our own lamps and enjoyed being miners!