Budding explorers are invited to step into the world of astronomy, space and STEM as part of a new exhibition at the Sherwood Observatory in Nottinghamshire.
The display, now open at the Planetarium & Science Centre, delves into the wonders of past and present spaceflight as well as our solar system, notable events in history, British rocketry and animal conservation.
It’s ideal for school groups, with strong links to STEM studies, and showcases cutting-edge optical and radio astronomy alongside discussion points about the future of space travel and our attempts to understand and explore the cosmos.
Exhibition highlights for school groups
There is an in-depth exploration of the Space Shuttle programme featuring extraordinary objects including flown thermal protection tiles from the Shuttle Orbiters Challenger and Atlantis, hand-built models, vintage posters, and other memorabilia. The items have been loaned from the private collection of Rudolf Williams (acquired with the support of NASA), who worked in Florida, attending various mission launches and landings.
There is also an art exhibition created by Williams which showcases the work of scientists tracking endangered species from space using satellite tags and collars. The new exhibition extends the Sherwood Observatory’s ongoing mission – to make STEM more accessible to the local community – into the arts. And through links to STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, mathematics), it aims to inspire the next generation of astronomy enthusiasts and STEM professionals.
Tony Booth, Sherwood Observatory Planetarium & Science Centre’s manager, said: “Our goal is to ignite curiosity and provide a mixture of opportunities for everyone to explore the wonders of space.
“This exhibition represents an exciting step forward in our commitment to public engagement and STEM education. And will enhance the experience even further for returning and new visitors.”
Education visits to the observatory
The team can tailor school trips to support curriculum topics linked to earth, space and science and can host either half day or full day visits.
Included in a visit is a 20-30 minute planetarium show and presentation by the team, a tour of the observatory to understand how the telescope works, science activity sessions and the chance to view the exhibition which is located in the underground Victorian reservoir.
“This exhibition represents an exciting step forward in our commitment to public engagement and STEM education. And will enhance the experience even further for returning and new visitors.”
Tony Booth, Sherwood Observatory Planetarium & Science Centre’s manager
Activities available include Build a Comet - aimed at older pupils, this focuses in on the scientific themes of space and exploration such as making a comet with dry ice. While for younger children, the Explore Our Solar System session invites them to make replica planets out of clay and measure the distance between planets.
For more information about school trips to the observatory, go to sherwood-observatory.org.uk/visit/schools
