Monday 18 March 2019
In collaboration with the National Schools' Observatory and the Committee for Education, Sport & Culture, the Astronomy for Remote and Island Schools project (AfRIS) will be running a series of fun and inspiring astronomy-related workshops and activities for Primary and Secondary school students in Guernsey.
In collaboration with the National Schools' Observatory and the Committee for Education, Sport & Culture, the Astronomy for Remote and Island Schools project (AfRIS) will be running a series of fun and inspiring astronomy-related workshops and activities for Primary and Secondary school students in Guernsey.
Taking place at three different venues from the 18th to the 20th March 2019, around 450 pupils from up to 15 different schools will enjoy learning about the wonders of the solar system, stars and constellations, the idea of seasons and understanding how asteroids and comets can be viewed and studied. Groups will participate in practical activities which include; how day length changes around the globe, planetary orbits and space exploration.
AfRIS is a Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) funded public engagement project for the National Schools' Observatory (NSO) to create and manage a small, but mobile, science-outreach team consisting of Doctors of Astronomy and Professors to deliver astronomy-related workshops and activities to schools and communities located in some of the more remote parts of the UK. Some of the principle objectives of the AfRIS project are to engage with and promote STFC science to students and parents, to create and manage a dedicated online community to support remote/island teachers in delivering astronomy in the classroom and to use astronomy to enthuse students and teachers about the long-term study of STEM subjects.
Sue Coughlin, Headteacher of Hautes Capelles Primary said;
'We are really excited about the opportunity for the children to explore astronomy. The specialist skills of the visiting professors and access to high quality resources will build upon the children's experiences of visiting our observatory and we hope to inspire our children to become the scientists and astronomers of the future.'
