Workshops

Holiday workshops: Intro to space science (ages 12 - 14)

Dive into the theory of rockets and space travel, and design a mission to Mars.

Image credit: Ed Moore

Participants will become rocket scientists, learning how to build a satellite in a session covering all the major subsystems that a space mission needs. This will include the chance to explore gyroscopic principles in a very practical fashion, and a demonstration of rocket propulsion.

Satellite applications are the focus of the second part of the workshop, demonstrating the multiple ways in which modern life is dependent on orbital systems. Participants will also have a chance to join in the “Astronauts versus Robots” debate, evaluating the pros and cons of crewed spaceflight.                                                        

The workshop will conclude with a presentation on the mysteries of the solar system, and a final debate on whether we should send future missions to the Moon, Mars, or Beyond?

This workshop is strictly for 12-14 year-olds and will include a 30 minute lunch break. Students should bring lunch and a drink. We reserve the right to refund or deny entry to those who are not in this age range.

Refunds can only be issued for tickets cancelled at least two weeks (14 calendar days) in advance of the event date. Please note that this supersedes our normal event terms and conditions. Please also note that Eventbrite adds a small booking fee to the amount paid for each ticket option.

About Stuart Eves

Dr Stuart Eves has more than 30 years of international experience in satellite systems. He is a Fellow of both the Royal Astronomical Society and the British Interplanetary Society. In addition he is passionate about sharing his love of space. Stuart was previosuly a GCSE Astronomy teacher, speaks to adults through organisations such as the U3A and Café Scientifique, and has recently become an Ri Masterclass presenter.

About our workshops

Holiday workshops at the Royal Institution give students a hands-on experience of STEM topics (science, technology, engineering, maths) beyond what they learn at school. Working in groups or pairs, students will get hands-on to complete activities, challenges or projects which help them look deeper at the subject they are exploring. These workshops don’t follow the school curriculum but instead show students the many real world uses of STEM topics, expanding their horizons beyond the classroom to see the amazing possibilities science can give you. Sessions are led by experts from across industry and academia who will share with the students their excitement and knowledge of their areas of expertise.

For any queries regarding this workshop please email events@ri.ac.uk.

Event terms and conditions