Rocks From Space is an outreach programme designed to raise awareness of UK planetary science, and further public engagement in topical science issues.
The project is committed to combining traditional methods of public engagement (workshops, displays, public lectures and school visits) with new technologies such as virtual learning environments, podcasting, video and audio conferencing and online forums. This allows us to reach out to previously inaccessible audiences.
Our mission statement is:
• To stimulate excitement and enthusiasm for planetary and other sciences
• To raise awareness of UK planetary science activities
• To inspire students through their own discoveries
• To motivate young people towards careers in science
• To assist the development of curriculum and cross curriculum skills e.g. problem solving, working with others, presentation skills
• To encourage relationships between science, the arts and humanities
Rocks From Space is coordinated by PSSRI planetary scientists who have expertise in the analysis of extraterrestrial samples from Mars, the asteroids and comets.
Our virtual learning activities are in collaboration with
Stockton City Learning Centre, Teesside. In 2006 and 2007 we developed the Space Safari, a virtual exploration of the Solar System which linked schools together electronically to use and produce work for the virtual learning environment.
Rocks From Space includes a diverse range of activities including:
· Demonstrations, workshops and talks
· Displays and exhibitions
· Virtual events such as e-classrooms, podcasts and online learning.
· Expert-led debates and discussions such as café scientifique.
Our topics include:
· Meteorites, asteroids and comets
· The planets
· Exploring the Solar System and space missions
· Searching for life in space
