ASK AN ASTRONOMER

ASK AN ASTRONOMER

in association with

Creative Space Science CIC

Friday 18 May 2018

As a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Ambassador, I was invited by Founder and Science Director, Melanie Davies, of Creative Space Science CIC, to participate with this Community Interest Company in 'educating, inspiring and enthusing' the students and teachers at Sevenoaks Primary School.

What a fabulous evening! Spending time with these amazing nine and ten-year-old children; seeing and hearing their overwhelming enthusiasm, answering their often complex and insightful questions, witnessing their love for planet Earth, appreciating their joy and wonder for the solar system and beyond ... was simply awe-inspiring.

Alongside an out-of-this-world planetarium show and interactive workshops, my task was to take three separate classes on a guided tour of the Universe. Crikey, I was so swamped by constant questioning it was a struggle to exit the solar system! Wonderful! Exhausting, but I loved it!

Never think children do not want to know. Oh my goodness, they do, and then some!

Never imagine that teachers are not doing a good job because at Sevenoaks Primary School - and other educational establishments - they most assuredly are!

I have been involved in schools astronomy outreach for a number of years now but I never fail to be ... yes, moved, by the children's genuine desire to learn more about all that surrounds them.

It was a privilege to have been involved. Thank you, Melanie, for inviting me and keep up the terrific work you're doing!