ALIENS & ASTEROIDS

Physics, Presentation and Researching Skills, Space Science

This Course introduces students to the fundamentals of astronomy and provides a sound knowledge-base from which further space studies may be undertaken.

Studies of the Heavens have been made since Man first inhabited the Earth.  The ancient Egyptians monitored the movement of Sirius to anticipate flooding of the Nile and built their Pyramids to align with particular stars.

In addition to researching major discoveries of the past and gaining an understanding of how our own Solar System is constructed, students will have the opportunity to use a range of advanced telescopes to make their own observations of our neighbouring planets, distant galaxies, nebulas and clusters of stars.

The ability to research information accurately using a variety of media and present that information to peers is a vital skill and students will be encouraged to complete individual research projects on astronomical topics during the weekend.

During the course, we are joined by our own special visitor from Outer Space - a large piece of the famous Campo del Cielo meteorite that fell to Earth around 4500 years ago!

A Presentation to Parents at the end of the course provides the opportunity for students to exhibit a portfolio of their discoveries and maybe even answer the question “Could there be life on other planets?”

	Practical observations reinforce the theory