In 2024-25, we developed new planetary geoscience teaching resources and organised outreach events through a UKSA-funded project informally known as Project ORBIT (Opportunities for Research and Building Interstellar Talents).
The project focused on the application of geology and geophysics to investigate rocky planets, moons and asteroids in the Solar System. We used the exciting context of space to inspire and draw thousands of people into the wonderful world of planetary geoscience, aiming to widen participation and inspire interest in STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). We did this through outreach events such as the Harwell Science and Innovation Centre Open Week, Carfest Festival, the Geological Association’s Festival of Geology, and the Science Museum STEM Skills Fair.
We also organised our very own planetary geoscience outreach and science engagement week, called Space Week. Space Week took place from 18-28 February 2025 and included a series of space-themed outreach and education events. With the aim of making space and planetary geoscience accessible and exciting to all audiences and ages, we hosted school workshops, a free Public Lecture – 'From Apollo to Artemis', teacher training, and two family fun days at Burlington House.
Resources
We developed a wide variety of curriculum-linked teaching resources, which are all free and available to all. The Project ORBIT resources help educators integrate space and planetary science into classroom teaching and home education, and align with the national curriculum and space sector needs. The resources include:
- Boxes of samples available to loan for free, which include meteorites, impact rocks, and 3D tactile models of impact craters, as well as suggested lessons and activities that make use of the samples – launching soon!
- A classroom activity related to space exploration and planetary defence
- Educational posters explaining meteorite formation and classification
About the project
Project ORBIT aimed to develop a sustainable strategy to integrate planetary geoscience into our organisational initiatives, and to encourage the uptake of planetary geoscience at university level and/or careers.
The project was funded through the UK Space Agency’s Space for All fund. The UK Space Agency has awarded funding to 15 projects across the UK designed to engage young people from all backgrounds and inspire the next generation into Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) careers.
Banner image credit: NASA Goddard