Waste of spaceOver the past 10 years at SSERC we have been producing activities which help teachers to encourage meaningful discussion about scientific issues. One of the areas which we have been developing supports science and health issues such as Vaccines and Vaccination. These activities are based around a series of resources which were made possible with funding from the AstraZeneca Science Teaching Trust (now known as the Primary Science Teaching Trust).

Waste of space is an activity that uses the context of space exploration to encourage wider discussions about the nature of progress and development.

For both primary and secondary activities, there are 4 different characters who have researched an aspect of the subject. Each one has a powerpoint presentations (which can be printed off as cards). In groups, the pupils discuss the findings of their character and the discussion can then be widened to the larger group.

The activities aim to:

  • encourage young people to consider the discoveries, opportunities and concerns about space research and development
  • develop informed social, moral and ethical views of scientific & environmental issues

We strongly recommend that initially you look through the Teacher Guide and then access the other files as required.  activities can be accessed by clicking on the links below:

Primary resources

Teacher resources:  

Presentations:         

Secondary resources

Teacher resources:  

Presentations: