The Race into Space

The search is on for Britain's next astronaut - and Major Tom wants your pupils help in selecting the best person for the job. He's found six well-suited candidates, all with different qualifications - but it's up to you to decide which one will win The Race into Space – representing Britain on a global stage!

After meeting the Major at an opening assembly, and being introduced to the would-be astronauts, each class will be issued with a Mission: to use their maths skills to rank the candidates on one of a number of qualities. Each Mission calls on pupils to demonstrate mathematical fluency, reasoning and problem-solving abilities - and is in line with National Curriculum objectives for their year group. The Major will be on hand to visit each classroom with some vital, additional information - and the programme ends with a second assembly in which each class reports back its findings and helps whittle the field down to just one: Britain's next astronaut. Major Tom knows public interest in space exploration will only be sustainable if astronauts look like ordinary people – so our six candidates come from surprisingly wide walks of life!

This exciting and engaging workshop provides an ideal platform for one or two-form entry schools to enjoy a shared maths experience - and learn something about the science of space travel too! 

Suitable for: EYFS - Y6 / P1 - P7. 

Exploring: a range of skills in data handling and/or numerical operations and/or understanding shape - selected for each year group in line with National Curriculum objectives.

The STEM Directory is provided as a service to support you in finding enrichment opportunities. The activities are offered by external providers and are not endorsed by STEM Learning. We are not responsible for their content or delivery.