VCE - YEAR 11 SYSTEMS ENGINEERING
Join our engineers on a guided tour of Puffing Billy Railway’s locomotive workshops. Students will learn about the concepts, principles and components of the mechanical systems that have allowed the railway to operate for over a century. Students will learn how to document and diagrammatically showcase engineering principles. They will observe engineers working safely with materials, tools, equipment, components and machines in an active workshop. They will observe simple mechanical systems and management of work by Puffing Billy Railway engineers, whilst undertaking mechanical calculations to determine mechanical advantage and energy
transformations in a steam locomotive.
Students will also experience a journey through the magnificent Dandenong Ranges on Puffing Billy, observing the positive and negative impacts of the system on the railway corridor. They will join an Education Officer to document and apply these observations and the observed engineering concepts to further design, plan and evaluate a mechanical system of their own. Students will draw on knowledge learnt at the railway to discuss and consider the relevant factors that influence the creation and design of the mechanical systems at the railway and consider these in their own prototype and system designs.
Curriculum links
Teacher & Student Resources
Puffing Billy Railway offers a range of pre and post excursion curriculum-linked resources to support teaching and learning in the classroom and at home.
Pulley power
Full steam ahead
Engine uity express
Tracks to safety
Loco motion
Steam mechanics
Cultural connection
Steaming schematics
Teachers are welcome to download this workbook for the students to use while they are onsite at Puffing Billy Railway.
- VCE Systems Engineering Workbook | Download
Use this social story to plan a visit to Puffing Billy Railway with students for the Steaming Systems Education Program.
- Steaming Systems Social Story | Download
Program details and information
Belgrave to Lakeside
| Fare type | One way ^ | Return |
|---|---|---|
| Kinder, P-10 students* | $31.40 | $37.70 |
| VCE students* | $45.35 | $55.25 |
| Adult* | $46.35 | $59.40 |
*These discounted rates only apply during school terms and are not available during school holidays or on public holidays.
^ Note: Single Journeys require bus pick up from Lakeside or Menzies Creek.
PLEASE NOTE
- Guided Programs are led by Education Officer and include:
- A Puffing Billy train journey.
- An educator-led, curriculum-aligned, education workshop.
- An exploration of the natural environment.
- The Additional Teacher/Leader Rate includes train fare plus guided program.
- SPECIAL NEEDS GROUPS – Additional Carers charged at student rates.
Please note: Rates are subject to change without notice.
| Group Type | Teacher/Leader to Student Ratio |
|---|---|
| Special Needs Groups | 1:1 |
| Early Years | 1:5 |
| Primary | 1:10 |
| Secondary | 1:10 |
| Tertiary | 1:20 |
| Group Type | Teacher/Leader to Student Ratio |
|---|---|
| Special Needs Groups | 1:1 |
| Early Years | 1:5 |
| Primary | 1:10 |
| Secondary | 1:10 |
| Tertiary | 1:20 |
-
DURATION
Half Day (approx. 9.30 am - 2.30 pm)
-
AVAILABILITY
Monday - Friday during the Victorian School Terms
-
LOCATION
OPTION 1 | RETURN JOURNEY
Meet the Education Officer at Belgrave Station at 9.30 am for a tour of the Engineering workshop and an 11.00 am departure (approx. 60-minute journey). Disembark at Lakeside Station at 11.55 am. Enjoy lunch, the Lakeside Visitor Centre, an Educator led workshop and the natural surrounds. Board Puffing Billy Railway at 2.15 pm and return to Belgrave Station at approx. 3.05 pm.OPTION 2 | SINGLE JOURNEY
Meet the Education Officer at Belgrave Station at 9.30 am for a tour of the Engineering workshop and an 11.00 am departure (approx. 60-minute journey). Disembark at Lakeside Station at 11.55 am. Enjoy lunch, the Lakeside Visitor Centre, an Educator led workshop and the natural surrounds. Depart on your school bus from Lakeside at 2pm.Other options can be scheduled according to Puffing Billy Railway timetable.
Enquiries
Enquire about our guided excursions via our online form.
Please contact the Education team for any further questions by emailing [email protected]Â or calling 03 9757 0700.
