Space in Your Life Game
You may be aware that space exploration requires lots of technology, but did you know that some of that technology is used back on Earth to make people's lives better? Match the pairs to learn about the space technology in your life!
Start a STEM Club
Are you part of a STEM Club (STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths) or would like to start one? Did you know The Schools' Observatory have created a set of STEM Club booklets?
Light and Mirrors Card Match
Explore Light
Astronomers use telescopes to see objects far away in space. Did you know that we can only see an object if it emits light or if it reflects light?
Telescopes Quiz
Telescopes are used to magnify distant objects. They are a vital tool for astronomy. Over the last few hundred years, scientists and engineers have built bigger and better telescopes, revealing the mysteries of the Universe. But how much do you know about telescopes on Earth and beyond?
Samantha Cristoforetti
Credit: ESA/NASA, CC BY-SA 3.0 IGO
Occupation: Astronaut, Pilot and Engineer
Year born: 1977
Research Areas: Mechanical Engineering, Aviation, Aeronautics
Alice Bunn
Early Life
Alice grew up in Shrewsbury, UK. She specialised her studies in maths, physics, and chemistry at school. Alice took a gap year after school. She travelled and worked as an au pair in Italy. Alice then studied Metallurgy (the science and technology of metals) at the University of Leeds. She spent one year of her degree studying in Finland. Alice got a PhD from the University of Cambridge in 1998. A company sponsored her PhD, so it was quite hands-on.
Research Areas: Materials Science, Satellites
"That’s the exciting thing about these scientific missions – you don’t know what you’re going to find."
John Glenn
spacecraft on 20th Feb 1962.
Credit: NASA
Occupation: Astronaut & Politician
Year born: 1921
Research Areas: Space Flight, Politics
"Space Flight, Politics"
Charles Bolden Jr.
Early Life
Charles was born in South Carolina, USA. His parents were teachers. He wanted to join the Navy and after school applied to the United States Naval Academy. The government rejected his application. Charles has said he was rejected because he is Black. Charles did not give up and wrote to President Johnson (in power at the time) for support. He was then accepted into the Naval Academy. Charles got a degree in Electrical Science from the United States Naval Academy in 1968, and trained as a fighter pilot. He flew in more than 100 combat missions.
Year born: 1946
Research Areas: Space Exploration, New Technology
"Our missions demand decades, even generational planning. But beyond technical milestones, the legacy we must pass on is inspiration."