PUPILS of a Fordingbridge boarding school handled outer space rocks including a 4.3bn-year-old meteorite.
As part of 'Moon Week', Forres Sandle Manor pupils had the opportunity to experience soil and rock samples taken from the moon itself.
The children studied orange soil, anorthosite, breccia and highland soil samples which were collected on the 1970s Apollo Missions.
A range of meteorites and Mars rocks were also presented to the pupils to spark a discussion about space.
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These rare samples were provided free of charge by the UK's Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) as part of an educational pack to inspire young people to get involved in science.
It included a 1.2bn-year-old piece of Mars rock and a 4.3bn-year-old nickel meteorite.
Pupils from nursery through to Year 8 conducted scientific experiments into craters and the impact of meteorites, the geochemistry of the surface of the moon and the make-up of Earth and space rocks.
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A spokesperson for the school said: "The event created an environment of wonder and excitement, encouraging young minds to explore the mysteries of the universe and consider future careers in STEM fields."
STFC’s executive chair, Professor Mark Thomson, said: “It is not often they will be able to see close-up, and actually touch, such important fragments of science history.
"Samples like these are vital in teaching us more about our solar system, allowing us to confront theory with fact."
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