A Planetarium in Peckover!

To conclude over a week of science-led celebrations as part of this year’s British Science Week, on Friday 25th March, Years 7 to 10 experienced Peckover Hall in a different light, as it was transformed into a mobile planetarium.

There were three shows on offer, Origin of Life for the Fryers, Extrasolar Planets for Year 9s and From Earth to Universe for Year 10s, providing a differentiated experience appropriate for each year group’s curriculum learning.

Going back to the very beginning, Year 7 and 8 were taken on an immersive journey through time to consider some of the most profound questions of biological science. From the Big Bang to prebiotic chemistry, the formation of the stars, planets and evolution of primitive life, Fryer were shown that science is making some of its greatest discoveries in the present day.

Supporting Year 9s current topic of study; space, the year group considered the ultimate question; ‘could any of these extrasolar planets inhabit life like Earth?’, before discovering how we have unintentionally been transmitting signals to potential alien inhabitants for a long time!

The 8-metre dome was inflated in Peckover Hall by the team of two from Immersive Experiences who delivered the day’s event and squashy mats inside allowed the students to relax in comfort. “I nearly fell asleep!” laughed Genny (Year 9). Inside, a large projector enabled a stunning show of stars, galaxies and planets with narration providing interesting insights into the science and astrology behind each of the films.

Students were excited to be treated to a 360-degree cinematic experience and were enthusiastic about their time inside the dome: “I enjoyed it a lot. It was very interactive and fun.” commented Youssef (Year 8). “It was very cool, it was nice to see all the stars.” added Maiya (Year 8). Inspired to learn more, Genny (Year 9) reflected, “It was good, I was interested. I want to go and look at the stars tonight!”. Fellow classmate, Cameron concluded, “I liked looking at the sky and seeing what was going on; that was pretty cool.”

Event organiser, Mark, was equally pleased with the day, “As teachers the most important thing we can do is inspire. This was definitely achieved as the students visited the inflatable planetarium. A great end to a huge range of activities. Thank you to all the staff who went the extra mile to give LP students a fantastic Science Week 2022 and Smashing Stereotypes campaign.”