On Wednesday 2 November Mr George and Mrs Adams took 13 members of the Bishop Luffa Science club to an educational conference on Space Exploration, run in the Portsmouth Guildhall by the UK Space Agency. The featured attraction of this day was an opportunity to hear a presentation by Major Tim Peake (recent space explorer and former student of the University of Portsmouth).
Those in attendance included Alex Webb (7Bu), Seth Swain, Grace Carter, Charlotte Horn, Maisie Jeffers (all 7Ki), Ellie Lambert, Jack Carter, Oliver Miller (all 7Ot), Sam Whittle (8An), Henry Dempster (8Ki), James Grove (8Ri), Charlie South (8Sh), Anika Csyopos-Cooke (8Wi) and Barney Borbone (9Ot).
The day began with a Q&A session with an Astrophysicist from the University of Portsmouth. The children learnt about how black holes were created (including what we don’t know about the supermassive ones at the centre of our galaxy), the fragility of the planet we inhabit, how the International Space Station stays in orbit and how humans may one day all have to become space explorers! It was a joy to see the awe that Science can bring in so many young faces.
We then moved to the main auditorium where Major Tim Peake recounted his incredible journey for us, as the first British astronaut. We were entertained with a variety of photos, videos and sound effects, all brimming with amazement. His story took us through the meticulous and gruelling preparations, through to the dramatic launch day and then his working day aboard the ISS, carrying out numerous experiments within a micro-gravity environment. The children were even able to demonstrate their own Scientific skills and offer their hypotheses as to Major Peake’s experiment with the growth of seedlings in space. We then finally got to relive the relief and delight that was felt by Major Peake, as he returned to Earth in his space pod, after 6 unforgettable months.
Charlotte Horn (7Ki) said “I particularly enjoyed being able to ask questions of an astronaut and finding out about space in deeper depths. I was really interested to listen about Tim Peake’s time aboard the International Space Station and his space walk photos were incredible!”
This unique trip offered a rare insight into pioneering areas of Science, which has instilled a little bit of wonder in our young Scientists. This will later enhance their studies of Earth and Space at school and possibly beyond!