Year 7 and 8 students have commenced a new unit of study focused on the Artemis programme, the NASA-led effort to return astronauts to the lunar surface and expand exploration within our solar system.

We’ve covered the technical and historical frameworks of lunar exploration, with students analysing the various stages of the Artemis mission and comparing modern objectives with the original space race of the 1960s. This includes an examination of the current global competition, specifically involving China, and the international signing of the Artemis Accords, which aim to keep the Moon a place for all nations and one centred around scientific exploration. Additionally, the classes are reviewing the specific scientific experiments scheduled for the upcoming 10-day mission, which is currently expected to launch on 1 April 2026.

Students have now transitioned into the research phase of the unit. Each student has developed a formal inquiry question designed to explore the complexities of space exploration. They are currently identifying and analysing different perspectives to formulate evidence-based answers to these central questions.

Author: Andrew Kingston, Lincoln Road