Pupils welcome moon rocks to Millfield

30 Mar 2017

Millfield was lucky enough to host rare samples of moon rocks and a collection of impressive meteorites during a visit to the school’s Physics Department. Millfield and Millfield Pre-Prep pupils were able to enjoy a unique, interactive experience of astronomy during their lessons. Highlights included getting up close to some hand-sized meteorites, enabling pupils to touch a real piece of space. Included in the educational pack was a 1.2 billion year old piece of Mars and a 4.3 billion year old iron and nickel meteorite. Pre-Prep pupils were joined by Lower Sixth pupils who helped them to handle the objects.

In Physics lessons Year 9 students learnt about the value of the Apollo missions and lunar landings. The lunar samples, provided by the UK’s Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) were collected in the late 1960s and early 1970s during some of NASA’s first manned space missions to the Moon.

John Hudson, Head of Physics at Millfield said: “Giving pupils the opportunity to touch such rare rocks is an amazing experience which really brings space down to Earth. It was particularly pleasing to share this with pupils from across the Millfield community.”

STFC’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr Brian Bowsher said “This is a great opportunity for young people to be able to see, touch and really experience such important and exciting messengers from space – turning science fiction into science fact. It’s an unforgettable experience to be able to hold such an important part of science history that has made such an incredible journey over millions of miles to reach us – and one we hope will inspire the scientists of the future!”