SCHOOLS wanting to bring history and science to life can do so at the Lion Salt Works Museum thanks to Learning Comes to Life activities run by Cheshire West and Chester Council.

This is the latest in a programme of school activities already on offer through hands-on sessions at Grosvenor Museum, Stretton Watermill and Weaver Hall Museum and Workhouse.

The Lion Salt Works is the only salt works left in the country and holds a uniquely important place in the country’s history. Its restoration was designed to engage the interest and enthusiasm of young people.

The museum was reopened after a £10 million restoration in June 2015 thanks to a £5 million grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, and tells the story of salt in Cheshire and the impact it has on the landscape, industry and people of Cheshire.

The workshops and activities of the Lion Salt Works programme support the national curriculum and are cross-curricular.

‘Mix and match’ activities include a tour of the museum, a local history detective day (KS1/2), salt science workshop (KS2) and a habitats workshop (KS1), incorporating a visit to the museum’s established butterfly garden.

In addition, there is a KS1/2 local history day where classes can jointly visit the museum and the nearby Weaver Hall Museum and Workhouse.

Councillor Louise Gittins said: “The restoration of the Lion Salt Works was about more than simply saving a unique part of our history. A key objective was to tell the story of our past in a fun and educational way that engaged young people.

“We believe school groups will enjoy our carefully thought-out programmes as well as the touch-screens and interactive light and sound show that support these activities.

“Our education experts have created first-class programmes which are educational and memorable, and we really look forward to schools across the region visiting us at the Lion Salt Works.”

* A tour of the Lion Salt Works Museum with Harry, the barman. Classes will find out what life was like at the Salt Works, what tools they used, what conditions were like and how salt was made.

* Local history detective day (KS1/2).

Classes will use real and replica objects, as well as photographs and newspaper reports to become detectives. They will find out more about the history of salt making in Cheshire from 3,000 years ago until today and the role of the workers. Classes will also find out how the salt was transported and what impact the salt had on the environment and Northwich.

* Salt science enquiry workshop (KS2).

Classes become scientists and investigate why salt is in Cheshire (geology), how brine is made, how the Salt Works got the brine from the ground, and how salt is made at the Salt Works through hands-on mini experiments.

* Habitats – living things (KS1).

Classes can visit the established butterfly garden, go on a bug hunt and explore the landscape gallery to find out which unique plants and animals are here because of salt.

* Local History and Significant Places (KS1/2).

Joint day between Lion Salt Works and Weaver Hall Museum and Workhouse. Also available is a cross-site day, where classes visit the Lion Salt Works and Weaver Hall Museum and workhouse, where schools can find out what it was like to be an inmate of the workhouse.