QPHS magazine - Spring Term 2025 - Magazine - Page 7
MOON MISSION
NASA9s Artemis Challenge
This year’s science week was an inspiring
event to encourage students to think critically
about the impact they have on the climate and
how we can all work together to find solutions
for a more sustainable future. We are looking
forward to celebrating BSW again next year.
Miss Sutton,
Curriculum Team Leader for Science
Year 8 STEM Club launched into the term
inspired by NASA9s Artemis programme. With
plans to return astronauts to the Moon and
eventually establish a base as a stepping stone
to Mars, Artemis presents real-world challenges
that scientists and engineers are working to
solve. Our students stepped into their shoes and
tackled some of these problems head-on!
They began by exploring the difficulties of
setting up a Moon base. How can structures be
built with the limitations of transporting materials
from Earth? How can habitats protect astronauts
from micrometeorite strikes and harmful
radiation? Students put their problem-solving
skills to the test to design some creative
solutions.
Next, they turned their attention to planetary
landings, influenced by past Mars missions. The
challenge: how to safely land a delicate cargo
(like a rover or even a human) on another
planet, particularly one with a thin atmosphere.
Our spacecraft engineers designed, constructed
and then had great fun testing their own landing
capsules, ensuring that no 8Egg9nauts were
harmed in the process!
Finally, students explored NASA9s Rover design.
They experimented with different wheel sizes
and configurations to determine the best setup
for navigating their own simulated planetary
terrain, including ramps and rough surfaces.
The science team are looking forward to
welcoming back our young scientists and
engineers after Easter for more hands-on
investigations.
The journey into space exploration continues!
