Tour of the stars with the Doctor

Dr Maggie Aderin (centre) unravels the mysteries of the universe to (left to right) Jack Ireland, Kien Molloy, Caitlin Gwatkins and Isabelle Weedon.

CHILDREN at two Oldham schools took an intergalactic tour of the universe without ever leaving their classrooms.

Space scientist and astronomer Dr Maggie Aderin treated youngsters at Greenacres and Delph primary schools to a visit to stars and other planets.

The youngsters also watched as she demonstrated a home-made vinegar rocket, helped them plan a trip to Mars and take a glimpse of life on the International Space Station.

Maggie is internationally famous in her field and was recently awarded an MBE for her work on communicating science to children of all ages.

She builds satellites in her role for the international space company Astrium, and is also managing director of her own company Science Innovation. She spends the rest of her time on television inspiring young people to take up science, and recently donated a satellite to “Blue Peter” which will be launched into space in summer. Her job has taken her across the world where she has worked with NASA in America, as well as in Japan, Australia and Chile. In 2006, she was named Woman of Outstanding Achievement by the UK Resource Centre. Maggie said: “The children were really enthusiastic and asked some wonderful questions.”


Maggie is an ambassador of the government campaign, Science: So What? So Everything, which aims to get more people involved in science. To find out more, visit www.direct.gov.uk/sciencesowhat