We are delighted to welcome back from the USA our Science teacher Lyndsay Hobbs, who was one of just three teachers from the UK who took part in an exciting week-long initiative run by the US Space & Rocket Centre in Alabama.

 

Mrs Hobbs describes her amazing week here. Pictures follow beneath.

 

“In November last year the Science Department received an email from Mr Corcoran, a former School Governor, informing us of the Honeywell Space Academy for Educators initiative. Being extremely interested in Space and Astronomy, I thought that I would apply to attend the Academy. In January, of this year, I found out that I had been selected to attend the Space Academy with a full scholarship from Honeywell that also covered my flights and accommodation. I have just returned from an absolute mind-blowing week that was attended by 95 teachers from 45 US States and 33 countries.

 

Honeywell Space Academy for Educators was created in partnership with the US Space & Rocket Centre that is located in Huntsville, Alabama in the USA.

 

As a science teacher, I am always on the lookout for new, innovative and interesting ways to deliver the curriculum. Over the 5 days I attended I completed classroom, laboratory and field training. Our instruction ranged from rocketry to the maths of origami and listening to NASA engineers and astronauts to zip-lining backwards into water. I now have many different ideas and fabulous information that I will be using in my classes.

 

I also got to experience some simulated astronaut training, such as the Multi-Axis Trainer (MAT). The MAT simulates the disorientation and astronaut would feel in a tumble spin during re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere. Even though I was spinning around in all directions, I did not feel dizzy or nauseous as my stomach stayed centred and my inner ear fluid did not shift.

 

As part of Team Harmony, we completed two simulated space missions. It was like the “real thing” as anomalies with equipment were thrown in that we had to solve to ensure the success of our missions and the safety of the crew. On the missions I was the PayCom Operator, Flight Engineer and completed an EVA.

 

My plan is to start a Space Club at school in September where we will use STEM to complete various activities and experiments. One sneak peek I can tell you is that we will be taking part in “Ship The Chip” with schools from across the globe.

 

Our students are considered the “Mars Generation”. Will there be a St Simon Stock student there?”

 

Mrs L Hobbs