Moonbase wins at Pride of Britain

07/11/2006

"Making science accessible and 'real' for pupils is crucial for the UK's future competitiveness."

Neston's Moonbase grew out of an exceptional opportunity for pupils at the school to link up with Astronauts on the International Space Station via amateur radio.

With the help of a £35,057 grant from NESTA (National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts), the school was able to mark the historic occasion by building its own Moonbase in the school-grounds. The idea was that the structure would provide a centre for continued learning and experimentation. Pupils were involved in all stages of planning for the Moonbase, providing designs for 'add-on' pods that simulated the actual construction of the International Space Station.

As headteacher, it has been Linda Davies' responsibility to drive the project forward and ensure that it continues to be a great source of inspiration for children attending the school. Pupils, who have now been dubbed Nestonauts, are engaged in experiments using the Moonbase as a laboratory. Currently the school is using the Moonbase to conduct experiments with parachutes and next term projects will focus on health.

Rachel Riley, Chair of Governors at Neston Primary School, said, "The award is exceptionally well-deserved. Linda has been the lynchpin of the Moonbase project at Neston, pouring her heart and soul into it. She sees the award as something for whole school and all those involved in the project. The results from the Moonbase speak for themselves as we have seen some excellent science marks since its inception."

Commenting on Davies' win, NESTA CEO, Jonathan Kestenbaum said, "We are delighted for Linda Davies and the Nestonauts- making science accessible and 'real' for pupils is crucial for the UK's future competitiveness. We applaud the project and look forward to seeing similar examples of innovative teaching."

For further information, please contact Nicola Kane on 0207 645 9638 or email nicola.kane@nesta.org.uk

NESTA, the National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts, is working to transform the UK's capacity for innovation. Our endowed funds of over £300m allow us to be a genuine risk-funder, to take a longer-term view and invest in the most promising new ideas and ventures. Underpinning our work is the fundamental view that successful innovation fuels long-term economic and social progress, and is an essential ingredient to the UK maintaining its competitive edge in the global market place.

Neston Primary School

• The core of the Moonbase is a geodesic dome, housing a control centre which was linked to the school computer suite. This enabled the children to work interactively in the dome whilst communicating with their peers in the classroom. Web cameras and the use of Skype enhanced the interaction between the two locations.
• Additional zones now include a growing zone (rocket-shaped), a sensory garden (star-shaped), a mirror maze (star shaped), the aquazone (previously known as the pond!) complete with hide and a weather station - all accessed by willow arches.
• Future ideas include the planting of a creative/symmetrical shrubbery and an impact zone for experiments on forces. A series of differentiated science challenges are now being developed to enable all children in the school to use the Moonbase.
• A further vision includes the construction of a temporary classroom to accommodate pupils from visiting schools, who are very keen to use the facility.
• Children from reception to year six have a chance to use the Moonbase for their experiments.
• The community as a whole has contributed to the development of the Moonbase with local businesses offering their expertise and teachers at the school leading ideas and projects.