Pupils at St. Joseph's, Newton Aycliffe, were treated to an extraordinary educational experience when Adam and James from Kielder Observatory visited with their remarkable inflatable planetarium. This immersive dome transported children on a journey through the cosmos, allowing them to explore stars, planets, and galaxies in a way that truly brought science to life.
Following the planetarium adventure, pupils participated in an interactive workshop focused on Light. The session went beyond the basics, introducing pupils to the fascinating concepts of infrared and ultraviolet light. Using specialist equipment—including diffraction glasses, an infrared camera, and UV-sensitive beads—children investigated how light behaves and uncovered the hidden world beyond what the human eye can see. These hands-on demonstrations sparked curiosity, encouraged scientific thinking, and made complex ideas accessible and engaging.
Adding to the excitement, some pupils had the unique opportunity to explore the school’s exclusive meteorite collection, which forms part of its science programme. This collection includes genuine fragments of rock from space, originating from the Moon, Mars, and the asteroid belt. Handling real pieces of celestial bodies provided pupils with a tangible connection to our solar system and made the experience truly unforgettable.
Head Teacher (Mrs Evans) commented:
"This event was a fantastic opportunity to inspire our pupils and deepen their understanding of science. The combination of interactive learning and real-world artefacts made the day both educational and awe-inspiring."