Space and Solar System Workshop
Explore our universe with real science
This workshop contains seven practicals and various hands-on experiments to learn about space and our planets. It also covers many curriculum-based topics such as gravity, forces and motion.
Format
2 x half day,
max 48 students in a day,
contact us for bigger sessions.
Age Group
Primary, Secondary, Sixth Form,
KS1, KS2, KS3, KS4, KS5
Explore All Our Planets with Our Inflatables
Measure Gravity Using the micro:bit
Conduct Space Experiments
Astronauts, rovers and space vehicles must constantly monitor their environments to function in space. Additionally, they conduct experiments on space bodies. We will use the micro:bit to carry out the following experiments in the classroom:
- Measure the temperature of the room
- Measure the light level in the room
- Test for water in a soil sample
Create a Tornado in a Beaker
Simulate the red spot on Jupiter with this experiment.
Fire a Stomp Rocket
Launch a soft rocket 100-200ft into the air to learn about thrust (can fire it safely indoors).
Create a Glowing Star Constellation
Learn how stars are formed and create the Hercules star constellation.
Typical Workshop Day
- Give children an overview of all the practicals we will be doing on the day.
- Individual Activity - Ask children to places the planets in order of their distance from the sun. We will then discuss the features of each planet in more detail. This section will also include questions related to space, comets, the rings of Saturn, and the International Space Station (ISS).
- Practical - Each student will measure the acceleration due to gravity using a pre-programmed Micro:bit device. We will also use the same device to measure higher g forces and discuss how this affects astronauts during space travel.
- Group Practical - Conduct experiments to measure the light level and temperature in the room. These experiments will help students understand how we can monitor the environment in space.
- Group Practical - Test a soil sample for its moisture and the presence of water, which is essential to human life on earth.
- Group Practical - Students will create a tornado/whirlpool in a beaker of water with the help of a motor and magnets. This activity is related to the hurricanes (red spot) on planet Jupiter.
- Practical - Handout the star constellation patterns, glowing stickers and tapes, and ask each child to create a constellation. We will then charge the star constellations and watch them glow inside a light-box.
- Game - Fire stomp rockets (either indoors or outdoors), and discuss how space vehicles generate thrust.
- Usually, we will reset the session and repeat it for another group of children on the same day. As with all our engagements, we will end the day with a street-dance performance.