Secondary pupils can see red at space-themed summer school
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YOUNG people across the Highlands are being invited to see red this summer with Destination Mars.
The free three-day space-themed summer school is open to S1 and S2 pupils across the area.
The event, which will take place at the Thurso Newton Room from Monday July 22 to Wednesday 24, has been developed by Skills Development Scotland (SDS), the Science Skills Academy (SSA), the University of Highlands and Islands (UHI).
Interactive workshops and activities include exploring robot building and programming, Mars’s craters and rock formations, and finding out more about the solar system.
The summer school will end with a science ceilidh, bringing together science and music.
Destination Mars is part of UK-wide celebrations of the 50th anniversary of the lunar landings.
SDS programme manager Sharon Morrow said: “From robots to rockets to exploring the stars, across the three days we’re aiming to ignite and lift off young people’s interest in careers in space and more widely in science, technology, engineering and maths.
“It’s free to take part, and places will be allocated on a first-come first-serve basis.”
Director of the Science Skills Academy, Andrew Johnston, pointed out this was a particularly good time for such an event.
“With Sutherland soon to be home to the UK’s first space port, there will be a wealth of opportunity for young people across the region to explore a future in the space sector, and this summer school could prove to be one giant leap in that journey,” he said.
Jamie Hepburn, Scotland's minister for business, fair work and skills, commented: “I am delighted that through this summer school, young people in the Highlands will be able to explore future career opportunities in the space sector. Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) knowledge and skills enrich our lives whatever our career, and help us to improve our health, wealth and environment. I hope this event ignites wider interest in STEM and all the benefits that it offers.”
To register for the event go to destinationmars2019.eventbrite.co.uk
