QPHS magazine - Spring Term 2026 - Magazine - Page 6
CLUB
INSPIRED MISSIONS
Exploring space, science & engineering
Following a year packed with handson experiments, from seriously
strange slime and fizzy bath bombs
to designing replacement model
hands with Year 7, STEM Club
welcomed a new cohort of
enthusiastic Year 8 students ready
for their next challenge: Space
Exploration!
Inspired by NASA's Artemis
programme and its plans to return
humans to the Moon, students spent
six weeks stepping into the shoes of
scientists, engineers and technical
experts, tackling a series of realworld challenges linked to life
beyond Earth.
The mission began with a big
question: how could astronauts live
safely on the Moon? Students
worked together to design and build
impressive models that tackled
issues such as radiation exposure,
meteorite strikes and creating
sustainable lunar habitats.
Their creativity and problem-solving
skills were on full display as they
developed thoughtful and innovative
solutions.
A firm favourite soon followed: the
famous Egglander Challenge!
Working under the guidance of
STEM Ambassador Mr Todd from
the Institution of Engineering and
Technology (IET), students designed
parachutes to ensure their egg
astronauts landed safely back on
Earth. Thanks to some fantastic
engineering and plenty of careful
testing, every eggnaut survived the
mission intact. A former RAF
engineer, author and inventor, Mr
Todd shared his expertise
throughout the project, helping
students refine their ideas and think
like real engineers.
The excitement continued with
rocket balloon launches led by Miss
Humphries, before students turned
their attention to another important
aspect of space travel:
communication. After building and
testing their own LED torches,
students learned how Morse code
can provide a reliable backup when
more complex technologies fail.
They then put their new skills into
practice by sending and receiving
secret messages across the room.
If you are interested in joining any QPHS STEM Club activities, please look out for notifications via Synergy in the new school year.
