Castle Douglas High School S6 student William Ross was over the moon to be chosen for this year’s Strathclyde University Scottish Space School.
He was one of only 80 successful applicants chosen from 620 hopefuls.
The Faculty of Engineering’s outreach programme offers a week of workshops, design challenges, lectures and activities aimed at those interested in maths and science.
The programme provided attendees with an opportunity to learn, explore, design, experiment and be inspired by some of the world’s leading figures in space travel.
William’s physics teacher, Ms Schutz, joined him to attend a lecture hosted by NASA guests Michael Baker STS43 and William McArthur, Expedition 12.
For two hours they hung on to every word, listening to the astronauts sharing stories of their experiences working with NASA, orbiting the Earth and visiting the International Space Station.
During the lecture, they revealed they travelled at five miles per second, orbited the Earth in just 90 minutes, grew two inches as gravity didn’t compress their spine – and the hardest part of training was learning Russian.
Ms Schutz said: “Science and technology plays a large part in all our lives and in the economy of Scotland. This experience aims to inspire the next generation to pursue STEM-related courses. William is at a prime stage to be informed about the many career opportunities there are in engineering and science.
“William has fully embraced this opportunity to learn, lived independently for a week, had the confidence to explore Glasgow and immerse himself in this experience.
“Participation in a programme like this increases pupils’ self-confidence, decision-making and problem solving skills and has allowed William to interact with other like-minded students and professionals.
“Meeting the astronauts was a definite highlight and amidst the engineering insights, details about space experiments and future visits to the moon, the most impactful advice given was:
“From space Earth looks so majestically beautiful and peaceful.
“Like a blue and white marble in a huge black void. So fragile so we should all look after each other and take care of our world.
“Enjoy the process of challenging yourself and learning. A truly educated person never really graduates.
“The most important thing is to find your passion and enjoy what you do.”
Eight of the lucky participants will be offered a fully funded week-long Learning Journey to NASA space camp at the Johnson Space Centre in Houston,
Texas.
