School Event - Year 5 visit the Space Centre

14 July 2011

On Thursday 14th July, 40 Year 5 children set off on our mission. After a delayed start, as the coach was stuck in traffic, we were belted in and ready for our journey to the National Space Centre, Leicester. As the coach turned the corner, a huge dome came into view and we knew this was home to a rocket! Once the coach had found a space to park, we headed for the main entrance. Even the entrance doors looked like the entrance to a secret space mission.

We split into our two groups and were off exploring the exciting displays and interactive screens. At 11.30 we gathered excitedly outside the theatre to experience 'The Astronauts Show'. The screen went all the way across the ceiling in a dome shape and the comfy chairs tilted right back so you could see it all. Some of us got a little too comfy! The show taught us all about an astronaut’s training and what it is like to spend time in Space.

After the show, we headed straight for 'The SIM'. It was a fantastic journey through Space to Jupiter and its moon. We watched a short film to set the scene and then headed for the actual ride. We were given 3D glasses to wear. The ride was a little bumpy in places. Some of us lost our glasses while we were too busy holding on! It was like a real life rollercoaster.

We barely had time to stop for lunch and after a quick refuel outside in the sun, we were off again. This time we made our way to the rocket. We split into two groups again. Mr Jones had the short straw and made his way up the large number of stairs, stopping to explore each floor. Miss Maxey went straight to the lift with her group and headed up to the top, exploring this floor before they worked their way down the stairs. This time Mr Jones made straight for the lift with his group.

We had a little bit of time to play on the interactive games and explore the last few displays before gathering our goodies from the gift shop and making our way back to the coach.

We had just enough energy left to sing some songs on the way home!

Everyone had a fantastic time and learnt lots of new things. Look out for the astronauts of the future!

Who can build the rocket?		Learning about gravity.
Learning about the planets.		The interactive table.
Waiting to go in the lift to see the rocket.		Watching the moon landing.