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Renfrewshire Council Plan 2008 - 2012 Astronauts to make flying visit to Renfrewshire’s schools
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Leading astronauts and scientists from NASA are setting out on a mission to meet pupils from across the region. The NASA stars wills be touching down in Renfrewshire over the next few weeks.
Over 130 pupils from Moorpark Primary, Arkleston Primary and Newmains Primary will join pupils at Kirklandneuk Primary on Thursday 15 June for a presentation by astronaut Bjarni Triggvason. Then on Friday 23 June another 160 pupils from Arkleston Kirklandneuk, Newmains and Moorpark Primaries will join S1 pupils at Renfrew High for a presentation by astronaut Bill McArthur. The astronauts, along with NASA scientists Stephanie Walker and George Abbey will inspire the youngsters with their experiences of space travel and scientific exploration.
They will talk about how their interest in science at an early age encouraged them to follow such a remarkable career path and how their enterprising spirit and drive have been the key to their success stories.
Alex Blackwood, head of enterprise in education, Careers Scotland, said: “The NASA visits are an extraordinary experience for the pupils, their schools and their community. Rarely do young people have the chance to meet individuals who have achieved their dreams. The NASA scientists are truly motivational and on a practical level they help the pupils to understand the importance of science, technology and enterprise in the world today.
“The visit to Renfrewshire will be a remarkable opportunity for the area’s school pupils to meet some of the world’s leading scientists.”
Councillor Roy Glen, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Lifelong Learning and Work Policy Board, added: “Scotland has a fine reputation worldwide for being at the forefront of science and technology, and Renfrewshire provides a positive representation of this. The visit from the experts at NASA is a great way of showing our pupils how a career in science can open up exciting opportunities, such as space travel. I am sure that all our pupils will enjoy this visit and will encourage them to think more about how their own study choices can affect their career choices later in life. It’s important that our pupils are aware of the wonderful careers that can be made in these areas, and we were delighted to accommodate the Careers Scotland Space School visits.”
The visit is part of the Careers Scotland Space School, an exciting initiative supported by the Scottish Executive and the International Space Community. The aim of the project is to get more young people motivated and participating in science and technology and to help young people understand how these subjects apply to real career choices.
There are more than 20 astronauts, cosmonauts and scientists in Scotland as guests of Careers Scotland to support the Festival of Science and Enterprise, a two week celebration that helps young people understand how science and technology can lead to exciting career choices. Last year, more than 22,500 pupils from across Scotland met the astronauts and scientists over the festival period.
Press Release: Monday 19 June 2006
