Article Source: Renfrewshire Council
Last Updated: 30 June 2015 13:09
Mission Discovery Renfrewshire blasted off on Monday 29 June led by an expert team made up of:
• Stephen Bowen – a NASA Astronaut with experience of carrying out three Space Shuttle missions to the International Space Station.
• Jay Honeycutt – former Director of Kennedy Space Center
• Sarah Murray - Assistant Chief of EVA, Robotics & Crew Systems, responsible for the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory Space Walking training facility.
• Chris Barber - Space Educationalist and Founder of the International Space School Educational Trust (ISSET)
• Dr James W. Rice, PhD - an Astrogeologist with over 25 years of research experience specializing on the surface geology and history of water on Mars.
The programme’s key aim is to raise young people’s awareness of potential careers in the field of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).
S3 and S4 pupils from across Renfrewshire and students from the University of the West of Scotland and West College Scotland, will spend the week working in teams alongside the panel to develop their own space experiments – with the winning concept to be built, launched into space and sent to the International Space Station.
They will also learn NASA leadership, team building and personal development skills.
Mission Discovery Renfrewshire is a joint initiative between Renfrewshire Council and the International Space School Educational Trust (ISSET).
It first came to Renfrewshire in July 2014 and has never been run anywhere else in Scotland.
Ex-NASA astronaut Steve Bowen, said: “A few of my former colleagues had been involved with Mission Discovery before and when the opportunity came up I was delighted to go for it.
“Although I’ve never been to Paisley before, it’s always good to come over here and see new places and meet new people.
“Leading Mission Discovery is really rewarding – it great to see kids get an opportunity they might not have had. With hard work and a little luck they can achieve their dreams.”
Johnstone High School pupil Lily Fowler, 14, is one of the participants and added: “It’s been really interesting so far and I have really enjoyed hearing from some of the people – you wouldn’t normally get the chance to meet an astronaut.”
Renfrewshire Council Leader Mark Macmillan said: “This is a fantastic programme and a once in a lifetime opportunity for local young people to hear first-hand what it’s like to work at the highest level of the space industry.
“We want to make Renfrewshire a centre of excellence for STEM subjects and this is just one of a range of programmes we are offering local young people to raise their awareness of career opportunities in this field.
“Most importantly we want everyone to be able to benefit from this experience regardless of their social background. That’s why we are offering Mission Discovery free of charge and I’d like to thank all of our sponsors for helping us to make that happen.”
The council has laid on a series of free public events during the week to mark Mission Discovery – including a talk hosted by Steve Bowen in Paisley Town Hall on Tuesday where he will play scenes from the Hollywood film Gravity and separate the science from the fiction.
There will also be free-to-attend film screenings of popular sci-fi films – see www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/events for more info on how to book.
Mission Discovery Renfrewshire 2015 is sponsored by University of the West of Scotland, West College Scotland, Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce, Clyde Marine Training, Fission Creative, Muir Slicer Associates Ltd, PM Information Solutions Ltd, Scottish Leather Group Ltd, The Experience – Kibble, Peak Scientific, Thermo Fisher and 29 Studios.
A spectacular multimedia show celebrating Vincent van Gogh's life and stunning artworks is coming to Glasgow this summer!
READ MORENational Theatre of Scotland launches a new interactive map for Scotland to demonstrate its love for the Big Yin, inviting people to share their own Billy Connolly memories.
READ MORETouring Scotland from June, the cast is announced for Hen Night Horror, an original musical comedy that promises to put the willies right up ye!
READ MOREAldi Scotland's popular 'Best Home Bar' competition has returned for another year, with a year's supply of beer up for grabs!
READ MOREThe first opening road bridge across the River Clyde is a step closer to completion as the first section of the Renfrew Bridge has arrived in Renfrewshire.
READ MOREPaisley Food and Drink Festival returns to the town this weekend for a two-day feastival with plenty for everyone to sample and enjoy.
READ MOREWith a staggering 14 million adults in the UK unable to swim, the team behind The Learn to Swim National Framework has launched a new campaign to encourage adults in Scotland to learn the life skill.
READ MORERunners in Renfrewshire are set to benefit from a new running track at the On-X Sports Centre in Linwood after a contract was approved by councillors.
READ MOREACCORD Hospice is pleased to announce the return of its annual art exhibition to The Art Department in Paisley between the 26th of April and 10th May.
READ MORENow in its 30th year, the show is the go-to exhibition for any self-builders or renovators looking for practical tips, expert advice, or the chance to view 1000s of products.
READ MOREDuring the Easter holidays, hundreds of kids across Renfrewshire have enjoyed free school holiday activity camps.
READ MORELatest investigations by National Trust for Scotland archaeologists at Culloden Battlefield have recovered a wide range of artefacts.
READ MOREThe Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) Scottish Game Fair (SGF) is back for 2024, celebrating its 35-year anniversary at Scone Palace.
READ MOREDobbies, the UK's leading garden centre, is inviting plant enthusiasts and foodies alike to a brand new Afternoon Tea and Planting Experience at its stores nationwide.
READ MOREThis year's Springfest, set to take place this weekend, has been postponed due to forecasted high winds.
READ MOREThe Paisley 10k and Fun Run will see thousands taking to the streets when the event returns to the town on Sunday 18th August, 2024.
READ MOREEnvironmentally conscious individuals are being asked to volunteer for a new community taskforce to help protect Renfrewshire's rich riverbank habitats.
READ MOREPaisley's Spring Farmyard Trail is coming to Paisley town centre from Friday the 29th of March until Monday 15th of April.
READ MOREHistoric Environment Scotland (HES) has announced that over twenty sites across the country are set to reopen their doors to visitors this weekend.
READ MOREJoin Diabetes Scotland for a virtual event about an exciting new programme supporting children and young people 11 - 25 living with type 1 diabetes - Together Type 1.
READ MORENoughties stars The Cheeky Girls, Gareth Gates and S Club 7's Bradley McIntosh have taken a sip back in time to mark the release of IRN-BRU's new 2000s-inspired flavours!
READ MOREGP Racing Simulators will incorporate 10 professional grade racing simulators, each equipped with a racing seat, steering wheel, pedals and a 43" monitor, alongside a licensed bar and dining complex.
READ MORERenfrewshire has honoured local groups and volunteers for their work in the community at the Provost's Community Awards.
READ MOREDobbies is welcoming families along to 68 of its stores this Easter to enjoy an array of free activities, including its Little Seedlings Club workshop and Easter Holiday sessions.
READ MOREThe search is on to find the best of the best in Scottish tourism as the Scottish Thistles Awards returns.
READ MOREPaisley's Learning and Cultural Hub has won a national award. The new home for Paisley Central Library won the physical category at the EDGE Awards.
READ MOREThe Easter weekend is going to be eggs-tra special at Cardwell Garden Centre this year.
READ MOREThis year's FREE Springfest is playing host to two great Scottish chefs – Niall Murray and Rohan Wadke, who will inspire visitors with their FREE cooking demonstrations.
READ MOREA host of brand-new family favourites are landing at Vue this Easter, meaning there are plenty of opportunities to spend quality family time at the big screen during the holidays.
READ MOREGroups connected with the refurbishment of Paisley Museum are celebrating today after picking up an honour at the Smiley Charity Film Awards in London.
READ MOREGo Radio | Number 1 for Glasgow & The West - Listen on DAB, Online or on your Smart Speaker, just say "Launch Go Radio"