On Tuesday 6th June, pupils from Stephenson Way School travelled to Newcastle to participate in a Science workshop (Destination Space) and enjoy other amazing activities on offer at the Life Centre. On arrival, the children were greeted by centre staff and taken to a special laboratory where they listened to a message from none-other than British astronaut Tim Peake about the perils of living and working in space. Pupils from Year four and five then spent the following hour exploring ways to overcome the difficulties of life beyond our planet. Children completed small, intricate tasks wearing ‘space gloves’; they tested suitable materials for space nappies and developed the skills necessary to successfully operate robotic arms in space. Once the children had completed their mission, they were invited to a fascinating theatre show: ‘Let it Glow’.
Science explainers used a mixture of stories and science to bring to life our understanding of light. The pupils watched in awe and wonder as they witnessed some awesome demonstrations. After lunch and the customary visit to the shop to spend their pennies, children were excited to explore the centre’s newest exhibition ‘Dino Jaws’. They learnt all about dinosaurs eating habits and came face to face with life-size animatronic dinosaur heads including the terrifying T-Rex! Later, children were treated to a short film (Wonders of our Universe) in the centre’s planetarium and before leaving, there was just time to squeeze in a ride in the 4D Theatre. Children screamed and shouted as they experienced a shortened version of ‘Journey 2: The Mysterious Island – Chase over Atlantis’.
On the way home and in days that followed, they were still talking about their amazing trip to other pupils and teachers. One student said, “It was a brilliant day. I learnt how hard it was to be an astronaut but think I would really like to be one when I grow up”. While another commented, “The lady in the theatre show showed us some really cool things. I really liked the way she used light to make some of our clothes glow in the dark.”
