Space is one of the most powerful subjects for inspiring scientific curiosity.
It brings together forces, light, observation, technology, scale and the natural world while encouraging pupils to ask questions that can lead far beyond the original lesson.
The Starsmith school show has been developed specifically to support science and space learning in Years 5 and 6.
More than facts on a screen
Some scientific ideas are difficult to imagine from diagrams or definitions alone.
How fast does light really travel?
Why do planets remain in orbit?
How does a telescope allow us to see faint and distant objects?
What happens when artificial light overwhelms the night sky?
The show uses demonstrations, visual comparisons and audience participation to help pupils build a stronger understanding of these ideas.
Topics include:
- gravity and orbital motion
- the speed of light
- how telescopes collect and focus light
- the scale of the Solar System and wider universe
- light pollution and its effects on astronomy and wildlife
How a school visit works
Each school visit includes two performances of the same carefully designed show.
Each performance is suitable for one class of up to 30 pupils.
The performances can be delivered to two classes in the same year group, such as two Year 5 classes, or to one Year 5 class and one Year 6 class.
This format keeps the groups manageable and allows pupils to see and engage with the demonstrations.
The show is delivered indoors and does not require clear weather or outdoor observing.