LAST week students at Chard School got to 'borrow the moon' for a week in an initiative organised by the Science and Technology Facilities Council.

Children from all classes were able to hold meteorites that were 4.6 billion years old which as you can imagine had the students intrigued.

The children commented at how shocked they were by the moons density and magnetism.

As well as this, they all had the opportunity to handle actual lunar samples brought back to the Earth by the Apollo space missions in the 1970's.

Most of the samples are still in the USA but NASA have loaned some to the UK to be borrowed by schools and other educational organisations to inspire future space travellers.

Over the course of the week the children engaged in various ‘lunar rock’ activities.

The children were ‘meteor hunters’ where they had to identify meteors amongst a range of earth rocks and fossils.

During this experience the Year 4 class worked with Pre-Prep and were expert instructors telling the younger children about the meteorites.

The Year 6 group also took part in a lively debate about moon conspiracy theories.

A space themed assembly was held where Year 5/6 children presented detailed studies about moon missions, meteors, asteroids and comets and perhaps the highlight was when the students interviewed an astronaut.

Headteacher at Chard School, Mrs Hill said it was a great experience for the students.

“Huge thanks to our head of science Mrs Halford for organising this fabulous, inspiring week for our children!”