Countdown begins for Scottish Space School mission to Houston

(Issued by Highlands and Islands Enterprise)

Three Highland secondary school pupils are on countdown to a special mission at the NASA Space Camp. Science students - Kirsty McHattie, Culloden Academy, Alasdair McLeod, Alness Academy, and Thomas Riley, Nairn Academy -  leave today (Thursday) for a once in a lifetime learning experience at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas.

Along with another 23 pupils attending from schools across Scotland, they are all students of Careers Scotland Space School, a world-leading programme managed by Careers Scotland and supported by the Scottish Executive and NASA.

Accompanying the young people on their visit to Space School will be Nick Forwood, principal teacher of physics at Fortrose Academy. Mr Forwood said: "This is the second group of pupils to be selected from across Highlands and Islands, to travel to Houston this year for the 2007 Space Camp. The space-students will spend ten days involved in a full timetable of space-related learning activities including lectures and group work with NASA space cadets, astronauts and scientists. They will have the opportunity to visit the space shuttle, NASA laboratories and get a behind the scenes view of the world of space exploration."

In addition to the formal space school they will have a full programme of evening visits arranged by Careers Scotland and hosted by NASA staff.  They will also be invited to a reception at the residence of the British Consul General in Houston.

The programme is designed to supplement studies in Higher Grade physics, chemistry, biology and maths and Space School aims to further develop the young people's skills and knowledge in science, technology and enterprise. Space School also encourages the participation and motivation of school students in science and technology and helps young people to understand how the subjects apply to real career choices.

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