St Joseph’s was moonstruck last week when lunar rock and meteorite samples landed at the academy courtesy of the NASA educational loan scheme.

In a truly out of this world experience, our 210 children marked the fiftieth anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon landing with a unique, interactive opportunity to handle and examine a variety of priceless astronomical treasures including a 4.3 billion-year-old meteorite and, the highlight of the educational loan scheme, samples from the Moon itself!

Brought back by the Apollo moon missions, the samples travel the country under the watchful eye of The Science and Technology Facilities Council and their Chief Executive Office; Dr Brian Bowsher said “This is a great opportunity for young people to be able to see, touch and really experience such important and exciting messengers from space – turning science fiction into science fact. It’s an unforgettable experience to be able to hold such an important part of science history that has made such an incredible journey over millions of miles to reach us – and one we hope will inspire the scientists of the future!”

Dr Kathryn Harriss from the University of Kent gave a series of moon masterclasses, helping to guide the awe and curiosity of the children by giving the samples a context and knowledge base. Neil Armstrong’s small step for man has certainly resonated at St Joseph’s 50 years later with the legacy of those pioneering missions living on in our pupils’ understanding and appreciation of the Moon.