Where Would You Photograph? (7-11)

In this activity children take on the role of Earth observation scientists submitting a request for an image they would like for their research. This gives them the opportunity to consider the possibilities of pictures taken from orbit (and the limitations) and to write scientifically for a specific audience. It...

Watching a Glacier (7-11)

This activity uses satellite images of the Earth to show how a glacier has changed over almost three decades. Children are asked to measure the glacier to find out how much it has changed in size and to compare false-colour images to suggest how this helps us find out more about environmental change. This resource...

Viva Las Vegas

This activity shows how Earth observation can be used to study human geography by comparing the satellite images of Las Vegas over the last few decades. Linking to measurement of irregular areas and addition and multiplication of fractions, it asks children to measure the area of Las Vegas at three separate times...

Space Case

Spacecraft materials kit: the challenge

Spacecraft materials kit: classroom demonstration

Investigate properties of materials and decide which would be suitable for use on a spacecraft, in this resource aimed at upper primary children. A PowerPoint presentation, which includes an introduction from...

Principia mission - maths in space

On December 15th 2015 European Space Agency astronaut Tim Peake launched on the six month Principia mission to the International Space Station (ISS). Principia was named after Isaac Newton’s Naturalis Principia Mathematica, describing the principal laws of motion and gravity.

The education and inspiration of...

Moonsaics

This collection of five Moonsaics have been created by the National Schools' Observatory, they consist of five different images of the Moon, separated into multiple picture panels per image, much like a "giant jigsaw puzzle". Students are challenged to assemble the completed images, offering them the opportunity to...

Imaging the Earth

Combing satellite and ground-based imagery, this cross-curricular learning resource for primary teachers explores planet Earth from a range of perspectives.

The activities are intended to build map skills and recognition of many physical geography features in familiar and unfamiliar locations. Mathematics...

From the Ground and From the Sky

This activity introduces the idea of remote observation by asking children to match photographs such as lakes, mountains and cities taken from the ground with early astronaut photographs. Children then compare the images from the ground with the astronaut picture of the same place. This activity is also suitable...

Explore Your Universe: Atoms to Astrophysics Handbook and School Activities

Explore Your Universe is a partnership between the UK Association for Science and Discovery Centres (ASDC) and the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC). The vision for the project is to inspire a new sense of excitement amongst young people and their families through telling the amazing stories and...

EO Detective Competition

The EO Detective competition is for children in primary and secondary schools in the UK. The winning three entries will have the opportunity to have a photograph of the Earth, taken by an astronaut on the International Space Station. Details of how to enter are given in the competition details sheet and example...