Outreach for PoleCATS (Polar test of the Conceptual And Tiny Spectrometer)

Our aim is to use PoleCATS (see summary section), an existing student project originating from STFC research in space instrumentation, to link together scientific and technological concepts with a real project which school children can follow through websites and social networking and use as a basis for further work within the classroom. It is envisaged that the activities and presentations we develop could be used equally well with members of the public.

This will:

1) Generate interest in space research, and science in general, amongst school children and members of the public;

2) Raise awareness of the impact of space weather and the efforts being taken to further our understanding of it;

3) Use a real rocket launch to capture the imagination of young children and show where studying STEM subjects can lead;

4) Generate increased interest in STEM subjects;

5) Provide a focus and context for the teaching of science and technology curriculum topics (e.g. forces, space exploration, spectrometers, electronics (including Charge Coupled Devices for A level students)).

In the first instance we will raise awareness through running activities at MSSL and RAL using existing contacts with schools and teachers. Our outreach events will be documented online, including on our website, Facebook and Twitter. Footage of talks/workshops, flight films and also educational materials will be available on our website. We are in contact with the other REXUS teams across Europe and the programme's teamsite allows us to share ideas, materials and documentation of outreach with them.