Overview
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.
Space Week
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. These resources help educators integrate space and planetary science into classroom teaching and home education, and align with the national curriculum and space sector needs.
Resources include:
- Meteorite Loan Boxes (see below)
- Save the Earth from asteroids game for Key Stages 1-2, Key Stages 3-4 and Key Stage 5
- What are meteorites? Posters for Key Stage 3 and Key Stages 4-5
Meteorite Loan Boxes
Our meteorite handling boxes help educators integrate space and planetary science into classroom teaching, aligning with the national curriculum and space sector needs. These boxes aim to introduce planetary geoscience to students as well as extending their geoscience knowledge.
The boxes are free to loan and are available for up to one term per school. The boxes contain real meteorite samples with curriculum linked lessons designed to be interactive and engaging for all key stages. Everything needed to deliver these lessons and activities are included in the box.
Booking Process
To request a box please fill out the booking form at the link below. The education team will be in touch to confirm your loan.
Boxes are available to be loaned for 1 school term. Boxes must be collected and returned to our offices at Burlington House on the dates agreed with the Education Team.
Loans are offered on a first come first served basis. Please complete the booking form at the earliest opportunity to avoid disappointment.
Booking FormAccessibility
Boxes contain crater models which are suitable for tactile users, all models have braille labels and a tactile users guide in braille is included in the box.
Terms and Conditions
Please read and review the loan terms and conditions before submitting a request.
Contact Us
If you have any questions please contact the education team via education@geolsoc.org.uk.
Project Funding
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