DR Caroline Oprandi: Stargazing

Science & technology at Portslade Aldridge Community Academy

Albert Einstein said that “anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new”. I really like this quote, since it sums up what we are all about at the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Maths) centre. It’s good to know that Richard Robinson, the founder of Brighton Science Festival, is also on the same wavelength. Brighton Science Festival runs from 5 February to 1 March and as stated by Richard: “It started ten years ago, because … well, because everyone needs a science festival. It’s the best way to discover where we came from, deal with where we are and debate where we might go in the future. There are some extraordinary and inspiring science communicators out there, and we search all the festivals and publishers in Britain to bring the best to Brighton.”

Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new

Richard also highlights; “ Young people love to explore, experiment and create. They don’t mind making mistakes along the way. But the curriculum doesn’t leave time for mistakes. They have to get the right version in their books straight away, ready to move on to the next topic. There is no room for the spirit of discovery.”

We hope to address this at the STEM centre and are delighted that Richard, after coming to our Open Evening, wants to be on board and help us to accomplish this. East Sussex Astronomical Society were also here (thanks to STEMSussex) and set up their very impressive telescopes on the sixth form balcony. Chairman Andy Lawes and Vice Chairman Paul Foster, plus colleagues, kept everyone enthralled with viewing the Lovejoy Comet, Jupiter, and telling their many stargazing tales.

They have also kindly loaned us a £5K telescope for a year to add to our telescope collection. And what exceptional timing – the United Nations (UN) General Assembly has proclaimed 2015 as the International Year of Light and Light-based Technologies.

Follow me: @CarolineOprandi