Schools
I have been asked to present to schools on a few occasions, and have prepared two different talks, for two different age ranges, to cover many of the basic principles of the solar system. These can be applied to scientific and mathematical curricula, or even feed into creative art or English projects. If you have any requests or requirements, please get in touch!
The Earthlings Guide to the Solar System is a tour of the nine (or so) worlds that make up our solar system, and the ways we explore them. Using real images from spacecraft, artists impressions and animations, I explain the different types of planets, their sizes, distances and properties. To visualise the scales involved, a to-scale Earth-Moon system, and a to-scale ‘Solar System on a Rope’ help put the pictures into context. ‘The Earthlings Guide…’ is for children aged 8-12, and lasts about 40 minutes.
The pictures and images used to support the talk were incredible and the enthusiasm and knowledge of the speaker really gripped the imagination of the pupils. One key impact of this activity has been the level of interest generated in astronomy and the night sky
Paul Johnson, Nicholas’ CE Primary School
Exploring Mars is a talk for older children, discussing the science, engineering and even touch on the politics of exploring the red planet. The course of exploration is never easy, and this talk explains why is never harder than at Mars. An introduction to the red planet is followed by a history of its exploration, the science that has resulted, and what the future might hold. ‘Exploring Mars’ can be presented for GCSE or A-Level students, and lasts about 50 minutes.
This was a superb presentation which was well researched and presented. Mr D. Ellison showed a detailed knowledge of the subject content and was able to deliver the presentation in an interesting and informative way at a level which could be appreciated by a wide range of age groups. I would recommend this presentation to any student studying Science based subjects.
D. J. Stenger, Geography, Alcester Grammar School
With both talks, follow on project work can be discussed, questions and answers conducted, or any other activities that will help spur students to make progress in the sciences or related fields. With the volume of data returned from Mars being so high, there is a genuine opportunity for older students to do new, unique science. As school talks require a day away from the office, I charge £100 + travel expenses for a half day visit with one talk, and £150 + travel for a full day visit with two talks.
Brilliant, well researched and presented. These are the comments from the teachers who attended the latest two presentations from Mr D Ellison. I have seen him in five different occasions with different target audiences and the level was always right. During his last visit at our school, Mr Ellison gave us two presentations, one with an audience of about 150 Y6 + Y7 and another with about 120 A Level students. Both were excellent. Highly recommended!
M. Mavrommatis, Chemistry, Astronomy Club, Alcester Grammar School