Isle of Wight The Bay CE School moon rocks British Science Week

Children at the Isle of Wight school were given the chance to their hands on rare samples of moon rocks and get up close to meteorites as part of British Science Week.

Between March 7-11, they were encouraged to reach for the stars and learn more about the universe. 

Cordell Maunders, in Year 7, said: "It was so exciting to see the moon rocks! I have always been fascinated by space so I found the lesson really interesting." 

Connor Deacon, Rubi Harper, 12, and Max Jacobs, 11, at The Bay CE during British Science Week.

Samples provided by the UK’s Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) are helping inspire young people to get involved in science. 

The lunar samples were collected in the late 1960s and early 1970s, during some of the NASA’s first manned space missions to the Moon.

A staggering 382kg of material was brought back to Earth.

Mostly, it is used by scientists but small quantities are used in education. 

Dr Clare King, Head of Science and Computing at The Bay, said: "I am so delighted that our students at The Bay had this once in a lifetime opportunity to get their hands on moon rocks and bring science to life.

"There was so much excitement about the rocks and it was a fantastic addition to all of the other activities for British Science Week." 

Rubi Harper, 12, and Max Jacobs, 11, at The Bay CE during British Science Week.

STFC’s Executive Chair, Professor Mark Thompson, said: "We are thrilled to be able to offer this unique opportunity to young people. It is not often they will be able to see close-up, and actually touch, such important fragments of science history.

"Samples like these are vital in teaching us more about our solar system, allowing us to confront theory with fact. We hope this experience will encourage the students to take up a career in science."