Space camp for St Richards students

Forty key stage three pupils along with staff from the Science Department spent five days at the Euro Space Centre in Transinne.

During the camp, the pupils had the opportunity to take part in a variety of activities which helped them learn about astronomy and space travel. The group attended a series of lectures on topics such as "Life in Microgravity" and they were set tasks including building and launching rockets by considering all the parameters that affect trajectory.

Highlights of the trip were the simulation challenges in which pupils enjoyed the chance to experience astronaut training procedures. For example, a simulated Space Shuttle Mission involved team work and was based on an actual satellite deploy mission. Another challenge faced was the simulation of microgravity environment which enabled pupils to try and construct a mock-up satellite while hanging 20 feet in the air.

Other training activities experienced included a multi-axis chair and a moon walk.

The St. Richard's group had a thoroughly rewarding educational experience and one year 8 pupil summed up the trip by saying: "Space Camp in one word: Awesome! The different activities were all fascinating in their own way."

A year 9 pupil commented: "It was a fantastic opportunity to experience Astronaut training procedures. Everything from the Moon Walk to the Amicitia Shuttle Mission was both fun and informative."

Some of the pupils will be building on their visit to the Euro Space Centre by starting a new Astronomy course being set up at St. Richard's from September 2010.