Over two days in October all our Year 8 Science students had the opportunity to visit the world famous radio telescope, Jodrell Bank, just down the road in Lower Withington. In 2019, in recognition of its internationally significant science, heritage and cultural impact over the last 75 years, Jodrell Bank Observatory was awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status and was inscribed on to the World Heritage List.
This visit enabled students to explore the solar system, galaxies and the universe and learn all about the technology we use to explore it. They were able to 'fly through the solar system' and beyond in the Dome cinema and get up-close and personal with our neighbouring planets and also distant solar systems. The students also heard the intrepid story of how the Jodrell Bank telescope was built, which nearly ended in jail time for its creator, Sir Bernard Lovell!
The trip supported the Year 7 'Earth and Beyond' and Year 8 'Light and Sound' topics and also introduced 'Space Science,' which is covered in GCSE Triple Science.