One giant opportunity for Welsh pupils

7 Jul 2015 12:09 PM

Education Minister, Huw Lewis yesterday joined NASA astronauts and young budding scientists as they embark on a once in a lifetime opportunity to design an experiment that could be tested in space.

The 200 pupils, all between 14 and 18 years old and from the South Wales area, have been specially selected to take part in the week long Mission Discovery Space Summer School at Bishop Hedley High in Merthyr.

The pupils  have been chosen  because of their aptitude for science and engineering and will have the opportunity to work closely with NASA astronaut Steve Swanson,  who has flown on two space shuttle flights, logged 643 hours in space and been honoured with the NASA exceptional achievement medal.

Mission Discovery is being delivered by Central South Consortium  as part of the Welsh Government’s Pupil Offer which aims to broaden pupils’ horizons and raise their aspirations, expectations and ambitions.

Education Minister, Huw Lewis said:

“The opportunity being offered to budding young scientists this week really is an extraordinary one.  

“Pupils will be working alongside NASA astronauts, prize winning scientists, astrogeologists and space medicine experts from world famous universities and will be competing for the chance to have their experiments tested at the International Space Station.

“It really is a unique and potentially life changing opportunity and I am delighted that so many of our young people are up for the challenge.

"This experience, along with others delivered through the Pupil Offer, is intended to motivate, excite and inspire our young people and help ensure they fulfil their potential.

"I want to open our young people’s eyes to the wealth and breadth of opportunity that life has to offer, because as the astronauts and prize winning scientists here at this summer school prove, the sky really is the limit.”

Chris Barber, Director of the International Space School Education Trust and inspiration behind Mission Discovery said:

"Mission Discovery is a unique event that makes it possible for young people to meet with individuals who have accomplished extraordinary things, to experience the ‘can do’ spirit and to build personal confidence for their future lives."