Computer Coding Workshop

In the morning, students put their programming skills into practice during a hands-on coding workshop. The session built on what students have been learning in computing and gave them the chance to apply those skills to a space-themed challenge.

During the workshop, students developed a programme that modelled a network of three satellites. Their code calculated the demand on each satellite based on the groups using it, then checked whether each satellite had enough capacity to meet that demand.

  

What made the experience particularly special was the chance for students to take their learning beyond the classroom and see how the coding skills they’d developed in computing could be used to tackle a real-world problem.

The workshop has also opened up opportunities for work experience with The Space Store, giving students the chance to build on what they explored during the visit and learn more about working in an organisation that brings space science and technology to the public.

Interactive Space Exploration

In the afternoon, students enjoyed an immersive afternoon of space exploration. The workshop built on the Space topic studied in Year 8, bringing classroom learning to life through practical, hands-on activities. It also provided an opportunity to develop wider skills, including map reading, interpreting satellite images, problem-solving and observation. By exploring the technology used to investigate our planet and beyond, students were also introduced to some of the exciting careers and future opportunities available in areas such as space exploration, science, geography and technology.

The workshop was packed with exciting activities, allowing students to explore space in different ways. Using Virtual Reality headsets, they experienced a virtual space walk and got a taste of what it might feel like to be an astronaut in space. They also explored Augmented Reality, which brought different aspects of space to life, helping them to visualise and interact with things they might otherwise only see in books or on a screen.

  

Another highlight was an interactive satellite image treasure hunt. Students examined real satellite pictures and used their observation and problem-solving skills to hunt for different objects hidden within the images. Exploring maps of London, Dubai and Oxford, they enjoyed spotting features, identifying objects and discovering just how much information satellite imagery can reveal about the world around us.

The session was a wonderful opportunity for students to learn about space, satellites and the technology used to explore our planet and beyond. What made the experience particularly special was the chance to move beyond the classroom and become active explorers themselves. The VR space walk and the satellite treasure hunt proved especially popular, with students enjoying the opportunity to get hands-on, investigate and discover new things.