Teachers recently explored the night sky within the ancient stone circle as English Heritage launched its new STEM education programmes and state-of-the-art learning facilities to meet growing demand for school visits.
The primary and secondary teachers joined the Teacher Twilight evening in March which focused on the charity’s new STEM school trips programme.
The event allowed the group to experience the new ‘Stonehenge & Space’ school discovery visit and to take part in what was a unique opportunity at the iconic monument in Wiltshire.
Teachers experience astronomy within the ancient Stone Circle
Dr Fabio Silva, skyscape archaeologist, guided the group to the monument to investigate the solar and lunar alignments and experience the night sky.
Standing within the stone circle, Dr Silva worked with the teaches to find and explore the constellations. Who knew that the Orion constellation includes not just Orion, but his shoulders, club and two dogs?!
New STEM offers for KS-3
The group also had a go at activities from the new, expert-led Stonehenge and Space Discovery Visit workshop, tailored to the KS2 science and history curriculums, which is launching this autumn. The activities helped demonstrate the solar alignments at the solstice and the links between the sun, moon and the seasons.
During the interactive expert-led session, pupils will find out more about the links between Stonehenge, the Sun, moon and stars and their importance to Neolithic people. They’ll virtually tour the night sky above Stonehenge, explore how Earth’s orbit relates to the seasons, get hands-on with our object collection and will even create their own Humanhenge to demonstrate the solar alignments before exploring the alignments at the monument itself.
It is just one of a new range of workshops English Heritage launching as part of its Inspiring the Future project, which will transform learning at the iconic site and bring history and STEM to life.
The group also tested a new, self-led tour resource and teacher notes to support the KS3 science curriculum and GCSE students studying astronomy.
Emma Reimer, English Heritage’s learning resources producer, said: “Stonehenge has always filled us with wonder, and many theories have been put forward over the years as to its purpose. Lots of them are linked to the sun, moon and stars and the idea that Stonehenge is a kind of sundial or astronomical clock.
“Stonehenge isn’t just a window to the past – it’s a launchpad for discovery, creativity and future learning. That’s why we’re transforming education at Stonehenge with immersive, hands-on experiences that connect history and STEM like never before.”
State-of-the-art learning facilities under construction
Work is currently under way to build new education facilities at the site, with both a state-of-the-art Learning Centre and unique Neolithic classroom being erected.
Using historically authentic methods and locally sourced materials (including thatch, coppiced timber and chalk daub), the reconstruction of a Neolithic building big enough for 30 students, is based on archaeological evidence from nearby prehistoric settlement Durrington Walls.
The Learning Centre will feature modern equipment and accessible, inclusive practical facilities, including a Changing Places space and a smaller break out area for those with different educational needs.
Meeting growing demand
Steve Bax, English Heritage’s operations director Stonehenge and West, said: “Around 48,000 children visit Stonehenge on free school trips every year, and a further 12,000 on our expert-led Discovery Visits. As a charity, one of our main purposes is to provide everyone with memorable learning experiences but, at Stonehenge, we are currently unable to meet the demand.
“Expanding our offering with the new dedicated Learning Centre will transform our ability to deliver incredible educational experiences for students and instil a lifelong love of learning in every single child.”
For more information about school visits to Stonehenge go to www.english-heritage.org.uk.
