Schoolchildren across the country have the chance to learn about the Sun and its effect on the Earth through a project led by a Cambridge academic.

The Sun|trek project has been developed by a group of science teachers and university researchers to bring the excitement of solar research to UK secondary school pupils.

Young solar researchers from institutes around the country present the educational package, which explores the physics and environment of the Sun and is closely linked to the National Curriculum’s Key Stage 3 and 4 (age 11-16).

Resources on the site are aimed at teachers and students alike. On offer are spectacular images and movies from solar space observatories, which can be downloaded for classroom work, alongside interviews with young scientists and classroom activities, such as projects, worksheets, quizzes, and wordsearches.

Dr Helen Mason, Assistant Director of Research at Cambridge University’s Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics, and project leader of Sun|trek said: “We're hoping to help dispel the myth that science is boring and only done by white-coated, sandal-and-sock wearing, middle-aged eccentric males.

This site has been produced with the help of enthusiastic, young researchers (solar guides) throughout the UK, coming from all sorts of backgrounds, who want to share their excitement about astronomy and science with the next generation.”

Viccy Fleming, Oxfordshire Regional Adviser for Stimulating Physics, the Institute of Physics’ programme for encouraging take-up of the subject at A-level and beyond, said: “Sun|trek kept me engaged for hours. It’s a great mix of movies, animations and snapshots for those who just want to browse the site but it also has a wealth of detailed information if you care to delve a little deeper. There's no shortage of ideas and resources ready to use in your classroom. The images are stunning!”

The material is particularly relevant to the ‘Earth and Beyond’ topic covered at GCSE level, but also deals with environmental issues such as global warming and alternative energy sources. Sun|trek can be used to illustrate many physical concepts, such as electromagnetic radiation (UV and X-rays), waves, magnetism, energy and gravity.

The Sun|trek project has been funded by the Science and Technology Facilities Council, and has brought together researchers from the University of Cambridge, the Rutherford and Appleton Laboratory, and the University of Central Lancashire.

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