Blast off for NSO
Classroom explorers blast off for new space adventures
Primary and secondary school pupils across the UK will now be able to freely explore the secrets of the Universe from the comfort of their classrooms thanks to Liverpool John Moores University's National Schools’ Observatory.
Professor Chris Collins, Director of LJMU's Astrophysics Research Institute, explains: “Our National Schools’ Observatory helped the University win a Queen's Anniversary award, one of the UK’s most prestigious educational awards. Based on this success, the University now wants to expand the initiative by giving pupils across the UK the chance to reach for the stars by bringing high quality astronomical images right into their classrooms."
He continues: "If you want people to consider a career in science, you have to excite teachers and pupils, and let them see something of the real work that scientists do. The experiences gained through our Observatory are as close to real astronomical research as it is possible for school children to get.”
The National Schools’ Observatory (NSO) harnesses the power of LJMU's Liverpool Telescope - one of the world's largest robotic telescopes - which is located in La Palma, Canaries.
A proportion of the Liverpool Telescope's observational time is set aside for use by UK schools and since being launched in 2005, nearly 500 schools have registered with the NSO.
Professor Collins says: "The Liverpool Telescope has been delivering front rank science to the UK and international communities robotically since 2004. It is the only optical telescope in the world, where science, education and outreach are really working side by side."
This is illustrated by the forthcoming NSO initiative that will invite schools to help LJMU astronomers in their hunt for 'other earths'.
Dr. Chris Leigh, NSO Manager, explains: "Earlier this year, LJMU astronomers were part of an international team that made history by discovering a new planet significantly more like Earth than any other planet found to date. Now we're inviting schools to get involved in looking at extra-solar planets.”
There are numerous other projects that can then be used by teachers to help them plan lessons and coursework for GCSE Science, Additional Science and Astronomy, as well as science at Key Stage 2, Key Stage 3 and Sixth form physics. Many of these projects embrace other cross-curricular themes such as ICT, mathematics, design technology and English.
Dr. Andy Newsam, the NSO Project Director, explains: "It's now completely free to join the NSO and once they sign up schools can request images and information on a range of astronomical objects, such as galaxies, nebulae, planets, asteroids and moons. All the software needed to analyse and display the images can also be downloaded directly from the website."
Mandi Szupleswski, Key Stage Three Science Co-ordinator at West Kirby Grammar School (Wirral), says: "We have used the NSO to provide astronomy workshops for gifted and talented students from across the Wirral. This is a great resource which can help to bring the 'Earth in Space' topics to life for students of all ages and abilities."
LJMU was awarded the Queen’s Anniversary Award in 2006 for its work on developing the world’s largest and most sophisticated ground-based robotic telescope. This opened up new areas of research for professional astronomers as well as providing innovative educational resources for schools.
Furthermore, as part of its drive to make science both more accessible and fun, LJMU played an instrumental role in the development of Mersey Ferries' £10 million visitor attraction in astronomy and space exploration, Spaceport.
A permanent Spaceport exhibit showcases how schools can join the National Schools' Observatory and visitors can also see some of the latest Liverpool Telescope images for themselves.
