Lancashire: Moon and martian rocks at Stonyhurst

Moon-gazing pupils

Exciting rare samples of moon rocks and a collection of impressive meteorites have landed at Stonyhurst St Mary's Hall. The lunar samples were loaned to the prep school as part of a scheme run by NASA and the National Science Museum.

Children in year 5 were able to enjoy a unique, interactive experience of astronomy, examining and handling lunar samples collected by the Apollo missions of the late 1960s and early 1970s. 382kg of lunar material was brought back to Earth, for use by scientists in their studies of the Moon, and to develop lunar and planetary sciences. The children also handled a 1.2 billion year old piece of Mars and a 4.3 billion year old nickel meteorite - the oldest object they will ever hold in their hands!

Their science teacher, Miss Sophie Metcalfe, said: "The children have shown real curiosity whilst working with the samples, comparing their materials, weights on impact and the locations where they were found. They even set up an investigation into the effects of meteorites on a lunar surface. This has really brought their learning to life and given the children an experience of a lifetime!