Earth and Space school trips

astronomy from the motions of the Earth, moon, and planets to the nature of the universe

Planetariums and Observatories

An exciting and immersive way to help your children understand the often complex themes around space and the motions of the planets and moons is by experiencing a mobile planetarium, or by visiting an observatory.

A planetarium brings the wonders of the solar system and universe into your school. Either an inflatable dome or a fixed space inside an observatory, pupils can be transported across the Milky Way as the night sky is projected onto the inside roof of the dome. Find out about curriculum themes such as the Earth's rotation and the apparent movement of the Sun across the sky, gravity, and the history of astronomy through historical characters like Ptolemy and Nicolaus Copernicus.

These planetarium experiences, narrated by experts in astronomy, can by pitched at a level suitable for your year group and key stage, helping link your classroom topic to a visual experience that will spark their imaginations and curiosity to find out more about this fascinating science.

Space Workshops

Other forms of space workshops introduce your children to the wonders of our solar system through hands-on activities and engaging discussions. Construct a model of the solar system, learn to use star charts or apps to navigate the night sky, or design a space mission to the moon of gas giant planet.

At an age appropriate level, students can learn about how and why the planets and moons move, and how that leads to concepts such as night and day, and tides. In turn they can see how our knowledge and understanding of earth and space has evolved since the Ancient Greeks, and how current scientists continue to make new discoveries with bigger and better telescopes.

Take a look at the various earth and space school trips and workshops on this page or complete the short form below to find something suitable for your school group.