Ground-breaking Space Explorer Lands in Scotland
One of the founding fathers of space exploration is in Scotland this week launching an out of this world experience for the country’s next generation of science stars.
Soviet Cosmonaut Alexei Leonov was the first man in history to step out of a spacecraft in space - now he’s touched down at the Glasgow Science Centre to launch Careers Scotland’s annual Festival of Science.
Run by Careers Scotland as part of it’s globally acclaimed Space School initiative, the festival of science is aimed at encouraging young people to consider career opportunities in science, engineering and technology. Careers Scotland has, over the years, developed very strong links with NASA and the international space community, who are extremely supportive of their initiatives.
Alexei Leonov will share some of his experience and expertise with lucky students from across the country at the launch of the programme. The programme comprises a wide range of workshops and activities for all age groups. He will be joined at Monday’s launch by Canadian Astronaut Chris Hadfield, from NASA’s current space exploration team.
A total of 20 NASA astronauts, engineers as well as cosmonauts will also make the trip to join students across Scotland in a two-week long celebration of science. Highlights of the festival include:-
- Tomorrow’s Inventors national competition- aimed at encouraging primary school children to create their own solutions to real-life needs.
- Teachers from across Scotland will take part in a NASA-led continuing professional development, looking at creative teaching methods and building a better understanding of science and maths applications. This is primarily aimed at supporting teachers who teach students in the early secondary school years.
- UK-born NASA astronaut Nicholas Patrick also features in the festival of science programme, giving a public lecture at the Science Centre in Glasgow. His Scottish roots have seen him strongly support the Careers Scotland Space School initiatives in recent years. He recently returned from his first ever space mission where he took with him a saltire from the Scottish Parliament.
Alex Blackwood, Head of Enterprise in Education at Careers Scotland, said:
"The Festival of Science is always an extremely popular event- a real celebration of innovation, technology and creativity. It’s a truly unique opportunity for the young people and teachers who take part."
"It is our aim to give every young person the confidence and motivation to reach for the stars and to extend their horizons and make inspiring career decisions. This year is particularly inspirational, with such an influential figure as Alexei Leonov backing the festival. He has a fascinating story to tell and he really sets the bar for what looks to be an incredible two weeks of science activity across Scotland."
Alexei Leonov, now 73 years old, is also in Scotland to make arrangements for the Association of Space Explorers (ASE) Congress, taking place in Edinburgh in September hosted by Careers Scotland and supported by Scottish Enterprise Edinburgh and Lothian. This will be the first time that the high profile event has ever been hosted by a British city.
Expected to attract more than 100 astronauts and cosmonauts from all over the world, delegates at ASE will discuss some of the most high profile issues in the world of science today. During their visit they will also inspire more than 60,000 Scots school pupils during an educational tour covering the length and breadth of the country.
More information can be found on the Space website for Scottish Science and Technology Network (SSTN).
12/06/07
