Ref. 28127-10UNIQUE pieces of the Moon brought back to earth by astronaut Neil Armstrong have landed at Chiseldon Primary School.

Science lessons have been a joy for youngsters at the school who have handled samples of moon rock, meteorites and soil, which were picked up as part of the first Apollo mission in 1969 and subsequent landings in the 1970s.

The children have been studying the moon and got to handle meteorites from the main asteroid belt between Jupiter and Mars as well as moon dust and soils.

Science teacher, Jo Hale, said: "It makes learning so much more fun when we have hands on things that the children can touch and feel.

"They have been learning about the earth and space and what's beyond the atmosphere. To have real materials from outer space has made the learning process so more exciting for them.

"It's really inspired the children, fed their imagination and I have been bombarded with questions ever since. Space landings are not something that has happened in their lifetime so having these materials has really brought it to life for them.

"Not only have they seen rocks for themselves, but they have learned the seas on the moon are not made from water, but molten rock and the amazement has really lit up their eyes."

The North Star-based Physics and Astronomy Research Council provided the samples, which were collected during NASA space missions. Apollo astronauts brought back 382 kilograms of lunar material and the space agency decided to loan the priceless samples as educational aids.

Kiera Evans, eight, said: "I've found this really interesting and great to touch rock that's come all the way from outer space. I don't think there are aliens on the Moon, but there might be on Mars."

In June this year the European Space Agency successfully launched Mars Express a mission to study the Red Planet in more detail.

The first European mission to the moon launched just months later in September and is scheduled to arrive in December next year.

Smart-1 is an unmanned mission that will test a range of new technology including a means of propulsion. The spacecraft will also study the surface of the moon to discover more about how it was formed and what it is made of.

Alex Bampton, nine, said: "Seeing all these from space has been fun, but I wouldn't like to be an astronaut."

gsheldrick@newswilts.co.uk